Türkiye’s domestic corn seed production has doubled since 2019. The average export-to-import coverage ratio over the past five years has been recorded at 169.2%.

Türkiye has maintained a consistent trade surplus in corn seed exports over the past five years. Hacı Ömer Güler, Chairman of the Turkish Seed Growers Association (TÜRKTOB), stated that as of 2024, Türkiye exported $81.2 million worth of corn seed while importing $59 million. “In dollar terms, the export-to-import coverage ratio reached 137.5%. Over the five-year total, this figure stood at 169.2%,” he said.

Hacı Ömer Güler, Chairman of the Turkish Seed Growers Association (TÜRKTOB)

According to Güler, research and development efforts carried out by the private sector in cooperation with the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM) have led to the development of high-yielding, climate-adaptive local varieties. “Domestic corn seed production plays a strategic role in Türkiye’s goals of agricultural independence and sustainable production,” he added.

Currently, 99% of Türkiye’s corn seed is produced by the private sector. Production has grown from 44,800 tons in 2019 to 88,000 tons in 2024. Some local varieties have been registered and approved for commercial sale in European Union countries. The top export destinations in 2024 included Serbia, Uzbekistan, Italy, France, and Morocco, which collectively accounted for 45% of total exports.

Emphasizing that seed is no longer just an agricultural input but also a strategic asset, Güler noted that public support and industry collaboration will continue to strengthen the country’s export potential.