M. Kayhan Yıldırım, Chairman of the Board of the Turkish Seed Union (TÜRKTOB), stated in his speech at the opening of the 5th International Plant Breeding Congress (IPBC 2025) organized by the Sub-Union of Plant Breeders (BİSAB) that plant breeding is the strategic backbone of agriculture in Türkiye. He added that the levels the sector has achieved in production, R&D, and exports have been made possible through the long-term efforts of breeders.
“THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CONGRESS HAS INCREASED IN ITS 100TH YEAR”
Yıldırım noted that the congress holds a special meaning as it coincides with the 100th anniversary of the start of plant breeding in Türkiye. He expressed that the special panel organized with the participation of highly experienced experts is in harmony with this significant turning point in history.
“THE CONGRESS WILL SHED LIGHT ON THE NEXT CENTURY”
Stating that the sessions, where climatic, economic, and technological requirements will be addressed in all subcategories, will create a roadmap for both the present and the future, Yıldırım mentioned that the presentations and evaluations will reveal the scientific depth of plant breeding.
PRODUCTION AND EXPORTS ON THE RISE IN THE SECTOR
Turkish Seed Union President Yıldırım shared that as of 2024, 1.3 million tons of certified seeds, 102 million fruit saplings, nearly 6 million vine saplings, 78 million strawberry seedlings, 6 billion vegetable seedlings, and over 2 billion ornamental plants were produced.
Stating that a foreign trade volume of 853 million dollars was reached in the sector in 2024, Yıldırım emphasized that the import-export balance has developed in favor of exports since 2018, with the ratio rising to 134 percent in 2024. He reminded that Türkiye exports seeds to more than 130 countries.
“THE SUCCESS OF THE SECTOR IS THE RESULT OF BREEDERS' EFFORTS”
Defining plant breeding as a process requiring labor, financing, and expertise spanning many years, Yıldırım described the current position of the sector as the "result of the breeders' dedication." He stated that every new breeding study is the beginning of further steps forward.
“PLANT BREEDING SHAPES THE AGRICULTURAL FUTURE”
Emphasizing the changes in science, technology, and production, Yıldırım stated that plant breeding guides the country's agricultural vision by adapting to modern needs. He pointed out that every effort extending from research laboratories to the fields increases production power.
“WE WILL SHAPE THE NEW CENTURY MORE STRONGLY”
Continuing his speech with expressions of gratitude, Yıldırım thanked the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, TAGEM, scientists, researchers, and sector stakeholders for their contributions.
Yıldırım expressed his belief that the knowledge accumulated over more than a century will be carried into a stronger future with new steps.
At the opening of the Congress, Chairman of the Organizing Committee Prof. Dr. Seydi Ahmet Bağcı, Chairman of the Board of the Sub-Union of Plant Breeders (BİSAB) Mehmet Sinan Berksan, Chairman of the Board of the Economic Cooperation Organization Seed Association (ECOSA) Yıldıray Gençer, and Vice Rector of Akdeniz University Prof. Dr. Cengiz Toker also addressed the participants.
The congress, which continues with panels and presentations, will conclude on December 5.
