b"What Makes the Turkish Seed Sector Unique? The Turkish seed sector stands out due to its rapid growth, strong regulatory framework, and strategic location. Over the past two decades, Trkiye has implemented key legislation, such as the Seed Law (2006) and the Plant Breeders Rights Law (2004), which have enhanced the sector's structure and ensured compliance with international standards.Trkiye is also an important seed exporter, with exports exceeding $464 million in 2023 comprising seeds, seedling-sapling and ornamental plants). In 2024, seed exports increased in value more than threefold. The country has consistently main-tained a trade surplus in the seed sector, reflecting its competitive-ness in global markets. The availability of diverse agro-ecological zones allows Trkiye to produce seeds for a wide range of crops, making it a strategic player in the global seed trade.Challenges Facing the Turkish Seed SectorDespite its growth, the Turkish seed sector faces several challenges:Illegal Seed Practices: Unauthorized seed sales and unregu-lated seed production continue to be a concern, impacting both breeders' rights and farmers' access to quality seeds. Fragmented Land Structure: The predominance of small- Yldray GENER, President of TSAB.scale farms (94.2% under 20 hectares) limits economies of scale and seed adoption rates.Climate Change: Rising temperatures and shifting precipita- The Role of TSAB in the Turkish Seed Sectortion patterns pose risks to seed production and crop yields. TSAB as a public professional organization with mandatoryRegulatory Harmonization: Aligning national seed regu- membership for those engaged in seed activities in Trkiye, has lations with international standards remains an ongoingplayed a pivotal role in strengthening the seed sector. Established process to facilitate trade and investment. in 2008, the association represents seed companies across vari-ous crop categories, including cereals, pulses, vegetables, and Trkiyes Approach to Biotechnology industrial crops. TSAB actively engages in policy advocacy, Trkiye currently prohibits the cultivation of genetically modifiedinternational cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives.(GM) crops. Public perception of GMOs remains cautious, andThe TSAB Secretariat consists of a total of 13 staff members, consumer preference leans toward conventional and organicincluding:varieties. However, Trkiye is actively engaged in discussions Technical Unit composed of three agricultural engineers,regarding New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) and gene-Legal Advisory Unit with one legal counsel,editing technologies. While the seed sector already started to Project Unit with one URGE project consultant,use those techniques, research institutions and policymakers Media Relations Specialist,are evaluating how these innovations could be integrated into Financial Affairs Unit with one staff member,national agricultural strategies while maintaining strict biosafety Personnel Unit with two staff members,measures.Two support staff, Secretary General and a Deputy Secretary General.Royalty Collection on Farm-Saved Seed (FSS) TSABs Board of Directors consists of nine members. Trkiye has a legal framework in place for royalty collectionAdditionally, there are three-member Audit and Disciplinary on farm-saved seeds, particularly for protected plant varieties.Committees, as well as two members serving on the However, enforcement remains a challenge due to limited moni- Arbitration Board.toring mechanisms. Collaboration between seed companies,TSAB has also established six Technical Working Groups farmer organizations, and the government is essential to ensurethat bring together its members to focus on Cereals, Industrial fair compensation for breeders while maintaining farmers'Crops, Potato, Fodder Plants and Grass, Edible Grain Legumes, access to quality seeds. and Vegetables. These groups compile periodic reports on their INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2025SEEDWORLD.COM /61"