A periodical analysis of sugar policies in Türkiye

Sugar is not only a fundamental food product directly consumed by humans but also a strategic commodity with far-reaching implications across various sectors, including livestock farming, bioenergy, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, food and beverage manufacturing, paper and packaging, textiles, bioplastics, healthcare, cosmetics, and logistics. Its integral role in food security, its strategic significance, its function as a bridge between agriculture and industry, and its contributions to rural development position sugar as a critical component in the agricultural and economic policies of many nations. This study examines the historical, economic, and institutional evolution of Türkiye's sugar policies between 1925 and 2025. Beginning with the statedriven industrialization efforts of the early Republican era, the research explores the neoliberal policy shifts of the post-1980 period and the privatization process institutionalized by the Sugar Law enacted in 2001. As a sector situated at the crossroads of agricultural and industrial policy, sugar is analyzed not only through economic lenses but also within broader social, political, and environmental frameworks. The research employs a qualitative methodology based on document analysis of academic literature and institutional reports. The study finds that sugar policies in Turkey are not limited to agricultural regulation; rather, they encompass a multidimensional policy sphere that integrates industrial strategy, rural transformation, social welfare, and international trade considerations. In this context, the future of sugar policy in Turkey demands a producercentered orientation supported by a regulatory approach that prioritizes public interest and long-term sustainability. Key Words: Sugar policies, Privatization, Agricultural subsidies, High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), Sugar law, Rural developmen