The Strategic Voice of the Seed: The Power That Begins with a Speck

Seed is the most fundamental link in agricultural production. Without quality seed, it is not possible to talk about yield, quality, and sustainability. Moreover, the seed not only shapes the soil; it also directs the efficiency of water, fertilizer, and plant protection. In other words, it is the beginning of everything.

For this reason, the global seed industry is no longer just a production field, but a balance of power. The industry, which had a market size of nearly 60 billion dollars as of 2021, is expected to exceed 100 billion dollars by 2030. Whoever holds the seed controls production—and therefore controls food.

Seed growing in Türkiye dates back to the early 1900s. In the first years, these efforts were largely carried out under the leadership of public institutions. However, beginning in the 1980s, significant steps were taken in line with free market conditions, technological developments, and international standards.

In 2004, the Plant Breeders’ Rights Law No. 5042 was enacted, followed by the Seed Law No. 5553 in 2006. These laws and the secondary regulations that accompanied them represent the beginning of the modern era of Turkish seed industry. Thus began a rapid development process in plant breeding, production, and trade.

With the Seed Law, seven sub-unions and their umbrella organization—the Turkish Seed Union (TÜRKTOB)—were established. As of January 2025, the total number of members of the sub-unions has reached 87,000. This is not only a quantitative growth; it is also a sign of an organized, systematic, and sustainable sectoral structure.

There has also been a remarkable increase in the number of registered varieties. As of 2025, 3,839 field crop varieties, 4,121 vegetable varieties, and 1,677 fruit and vine varieties have been registered, totaling 9,637. The number of varieties granted production permits reached 1,446. These figures demonstrate that Türkiye has become not only a producer, but also a breeding country.

The increases in production volumes support these developments. By the end of 2024, 1.3 million tons of certified seeds, approximately 6 billion vegetable seedlings, over 100 million fruit saplings, and more than 2 billion ornamental plants were produced. This shows not only agricultural growth, but also a rising technical capacity.

These production figures clearly show that our country fully meets its own needs.

This increase in production has also reflected strongly in trade. As of 2024, the foreign trade volume of the sector reached 853 million dollars. In 2018, the sector became a net exporter for the first time. In 2024, it achieved a 34% foreign trade surplus. In other words, for every $100 of imports, $134 of exports were made.

All these achievements show that Türkiye has made significant progress in its goal of becoming a global powerhouse in seed. However, there is still work to be done. Updating legislation, strengthening support mechanisms, and facilitating the registration of local varieties in international markets are critically important for the continuity of this progress.

Türkiye’s opportunity is significant. On one hand, there is a stable position in the European market; on the other, there is strong growth potential in Asia and Africa. The ECO / ECOSA region is a strategic center in this respect.

Where we stand in seed is a concrete indicator of our agricultural sovereignty. Yet this is not only an economic success, it is a matter of security, and a matter of independence.

The cooperation between our Union and GROWTECH. ANTALYA once again demonstrates the institutional strength and visionary approach of Turkish seed industry on the international stage. This cooperation not only increased the global visibility of the sector but also paved the way for domestic producers to gain a more effective position in world markets.

While GROWTECH. ANTALYA continues to be a center that brings together sector representatives from all over the world, Türkiye’s accumulated experience, innovative potential, and culture of cooperation in seed are carried to the international platform under the leadership of TÜRKTOB.

This partnership is a strong indicator of the Turkish seed sector’s journey toward a sustainable future built on knowledge, quality, and trust. TÜRKTOB’s vision aligned with GROWTECH. ANTALYA continues to shape not only today’s production approach but also that of the future.

This year, within the scope of GROWTECH. ANTALYA, Plant Breeding Project Market organized for the 8^th time in cooperation with Antalya Teknopark, Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and TÜRKTOB will be one of the most important gatherings representing the innovative side of Turkish seed industry. The event aims to develop breeding studies, lay the foundation for long-term project-based collaborations, and strengthen the high value-added production capacity of the agricultural sector.

This organization—being Türkiye’s only project market in the field of plant breeding—brings together projects from research institutes, universities, and private R&D organizations, which are then evaluated by our committee. The projects selected will be exhibited at the ANFAŞ Expo Center on November 20^th, 2025, to be met with sector representatives and to be awarded.

This comprehensive event is a concrete indicator of how knowledge, research, and innovation are transformed into a sustainable vision in the Turkish seed industry.