Reform package in agriculture, energy, and forestry

Turkey has enacted a new law that introduces significant changes across various sectors, including land use, environmental projects, and penalties for energy and water infrastructure. The "Law on Amendments to the Land Protection and Land Use Law and Some Laws" was published in the Official Gazette, bringing a wide range of modifications.

The new legislation tightens regulations on alcohol advertising. Companies producing, importing, or marketing alcoholic beverages will face stricter rules, prohibiting the use of their names, brands, logos, or any visual elements on their premises, displays, or at events. Furthermore, fermented alcohol brands cannot be used for distilled products, and vice versa.

A tiered penalty system will be applied to individuals and legal entities operating in the tobacco, tobacco products, cigarette paper, alcohol, and alcoholic beverage sectors who fail to comply with the law. Initial violations will result in a warning or a grace period of at least 15 days to rectify the issue. Repeat offenses within five years can lead to administrative fines ranging from 100 to 1 million Turkish Liras. A third offense within the same five-year period could result in the cancellation of all company documents related to its business type.

In an effort to combat climate change, the General Directorate of Forestry will establish "carbon sink forests" to enhance the capacity of forests to absorb greenhouse gases. The law also revises distance regulations for rice fields from residential areas, requiring them to be at least 500 meters from city and district centers and 50 meters from the nearest house in villages and neighborhoods. Additionally, the completion deadline for certain water structure projects, including dams and hydroelectric power plants managed by the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ), has been extended to December 31, 2040. The law also clarifies responsibilities for ensuring the safety of these water structures, with local administrations and public institutions tasked with implementing necessary security measures to prevent accidents and drownings.