Policy Recommendations for The Effects of the Covid-19 Outbreak on Seasonal Agricultural Workers: The Case of Türkiye

Abstract

Impact of Covid-19 pandemic introduced with itself some socio-economic transformation as well as a myriad of problems. Closure of borders, alongside a fall in trade and human mobility brought forward concerns related to the self-sufficiency of nations. Throughout the pandemic outbreak, there was an emerging need for the countries to harness their own manufacturing resources and capacity efficiently to answer soaring demands of domestic market. At this point, visibility of agricultural sector has become foregrounded because of its inherent role in food and nutrition. Particularly speaking; producers who supplied need for seasonal labor from other countries were forced to take instantaneous measures and implement political changes. In Türkiye, since demand for seasonal labor could be met through domestic resources, it was feasible to prevent any failures during manufacturing process. Nevertheless, there were common concerns arising among the public on the measures to take for the work and life conditions of seasonal agricultural workers and required policies to implement. Within the context of this study, research on the discussions, practices, and measures to follow for agricultural sector during Covid-19 pandemic period has been conducted. Analyses have been drawn on the regulation in Türkiye and relevant policies have been suggested.