Syrian children wait for the distribution of free food in the Ain Issa camp for internally displaced people (IDP), 19 July 2017. Morukc Umnaber/DPA/Press Association Images. All rights reserved.Syrian bread is declining in quality, and this means trouble for the ministry of consumer protection. In an unusual move, Al Watan took a direct shot at the ministry, suggesting that while the price of 140 SYP per kilo of grain was promised via seizure of goods and the banning of farmers from being able to contest the verdict, the price point at which grain producers are remunerated could be as low as 3.3 SYP per kilo.
While reducing the price of food for citizens, such a low price-point will likely force many farmers out of business. Grain, however, should not be viewed solely as a source of bread in any economy or the agricultural sector around it. Though not immediately evident, the implications for related industries have become a subject of debate in government sanctioned media.
Such is the case of coastal poultry farmers; in a recent interview, farmers from Lattakia highlighted the price of animal feed as a primary cause of difficulties that the industry is experiencing.
