Turkey sends back Dutch cows amid diplomatic dispute

Turkey’s red meat association has all cows imported from the Netherlands to be sent back as the diplomatic row between the two countries intensifies.

The head of the Turkish Association of Red Meat Producers, Bulent Tunc, told reporters that a symbolic consignment of 40 Holstein Friesian cattle was already being sent back to the Netherlands.

“The Dutch Holstein cows have become very common in our country. But this breed is starting to cause serious problems,” he told the Anadolu Agency.

In future we do not want animal products from Holland. The first batch of Holsteins has been loaded and we will send them back.

He said that Turkey should start focusing on breeding its own cattle, adding: “We have our own quality breeds.”

“If they don’t accept them back then we will distribute the cuts after slaughter,” he added.

A diplomatic crisis erupted between Turkey and the Netherlands after Turkish ministers were stopped from holding rallies to back constitutional changes which will be voted on next month.

The Turkish government said it may impose economic sanctions against the Netherlands, a major trade partner and investor, but has not given details.