The Future of the Seed Sector

 An important panel on developments in the seed sector and agricultural education was held on January 10, 2025, bringing together leading figures from the agricultural sectors of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Among the panel speakers were Mr. Hacı Ömer Güler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Seed Growers Association, and Mr. Mehmet Erol, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Seed Distributors Sub-Union. They were joined by Dr. Reşat Değirmenci, Director at the TRNC Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Prof. Dr. Ahsen Işık Özgüven, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies at Cyprus International University (CIU) and Head of the Department of Plant Production and Technologies.

During the discussions, the significant potential of the seed sector for TRNC farmers was emphasized. The speakers announced that important opportunities would be created in the field of seed production through agreements and protocols to be established between Türkiye and the TRNC.

Sector representatives expressed their willingness and enthusiasm to cooperate with and support TRNC farmers. Within the scope of the panel, the importance of seed production in agricultural education and its critical role in the development of the agricultural sector were highlighted.

During the panel, Prof. Dr. Özgüven stated, “This collaboration marks the beginning of a new era in agricultural cooperation between our countries.”
This initiative is expected to strengthen agricultural ties between Türkiye and the TRNC and to offer new opportunities for farmers in both countries.