Agricultural subsidies: the effects of IPARD supports on the agriculture of Kutahya

In this study, subsidies provided towards agriculture, which is regarded as a crucial sector in Turkey's economy, are examined on Kutahya region with respect to the European Union program of agricultural subsidies, namely IPARD. The study consists of four parts. The first part provides information on current outlook of agriculture and agricultural supports so far implemented in Turkey. With the emphasis on the economics of agriculture, the section shows the importance of agriculture for Turkey. The second part discusses the agriculture and agricultural policies of the EU. In this section, comparisons are also provided between agriculture in Turkey and in the EU along with the notes about the cohesion process. The third section contains information both on IPARD and Kutahya, as the chosen sample region of the thesis. The last part of the study examines the implementation of IPARD in Kutahya from such aspects as dairy cattle breeding, broiler breeding and, medicinal and aromatic herb plantation. Moreover, the impacts of IPARD incentives on agricultural education are also evaluated. In addition to reviewing the process of trying to solve the existing problems in Turkey's agriculture via EU funds, the study also makes criticism on that Turkey has long delayed to adopt such implementations in solving these problems. The results of the study suggest that Kutahya's agriculture has benefited from IPARD program in examined aspects and that such programs should become prevalent. Keywords: European Union, Agriculture, IPARD, Kutahya.