Türkiye Targets Top 5 Global Ranking in Seed Sector

(MENAFN) Türkiye is aggressively targeting a leap from its current 11th place to join the top five global leaders in the seed industry within the next decade, according to a top sector official. Haci Omer Guler, chairman of the Turkish Seed Union (TURKTOB), told media that Asia is poised to expand its share in the seed market on par with the European Union.

Since 2018, Türkiye’s seed sector has maintained a robust foreign trade surplus, demonstrating significant growth with a 117% surplus in seeds, 550% in seedlings, 169% in ornamental plants, and a total surplus of 134%. Exports in the sector have climbed to nearly $490 million, while imports stand at $364 million.

The global seed market, currently valued at $70 billion, is projected to surpass $100 billion by 2030. “Our goal is to put Türkiye among the top five in the next 10 years,” Guler affirmed. He emphasized ongoing efforts to sustain and grow existing markets while expanding into emerging regions like Asia. Currently, the majority of Turkish seed exports are destined for the EU, Russia, and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) countries.

Key objectives outlined by Guler include boosting product variety, securing new markets, enhancing global brand recognition, intensifying promotional activities, improving seed quality, and cracking down on unregistered seed production.

Addressing a common misconception, Guler remarked, “While we import the special seeds we need, we also export much more—every year our high-value-added seed exports increase, but the success of the industry is overshadowed by this perception.” He warned that public belief in Türkiye’s seed sector dependency on foreign imports unfairly damages the agricultural industry’s reputation.

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