Rewritten Title: A Delayed Decision: The Political Stakes of Iran’s Guaranteed Wheat Price
Article:
A Policy in Limbo
Months after the legal deadline has passed, the Iranian government has yet to announce the guaranteed purchase price for wheat for the new cultivation year. This critical delay, mandated by law to be set before the start of the agricultural season, has left the nation’s farmers in a state of uncertainty and sparked concerns over domestic production and food security.
Stalled Negotiations and Farmer Frustration
Recent high-level government meetings, including one with the National Foundation of Wheat Farmers, have concluded without an agreement. Ataollah Hashemi, head of the Foundation, stated that their proposed price of 32,600 tomans was not accepted by the government. This impasse has direct consequences. Farmers, unable to plan for the upcoming autumn cultivation season with financial certainty, are left unable to confidently invest in their crops. This ambiguity risks diminishing the incentive to cultivate wheat, a strategically vital commodity, potentially driving farmers toward more profitable, alternative crops.
Broader Implications for Food Security
The repercussions extend far beyond the fields. The guaranteed wheat price serves as a cornerstone for the pricing of dozens of essential goods, including flour and bread. The ongoing delay creates a ripple effect of confusion and a lack of transparency across the food supply chain. Furthermore, the government’s insistence on a price that farmers argue does not reflect real production costs—including seeds, fertilizer, and inflation—is seen as eroding trust in state support policies. This situation poses a tangible threat to national food self-sufficiency and could significantly reduce domestic wheat output.
Adherence to Law and Economic Realities
The delay places the government in a position where it is not fulfilling its own legal obligations. The law on guaranteed purchase of essential agricultural products explicitly requires the price to be announced before the farming year begins. Critics point out that while the private sector’s proposal is based on calculable economic factors, the government’s position appears primarily focused on budgetary constraints, creating a significant gap between the two sides. This has led to a challenging situation where farmers face high input costs but are offered a selling price they deem unprofitable.