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The Domestic Sunflower Seed Development and Farmer Support Project, initiated by Yudum, Turkey’s most beloved sunflower oil brand, in collaboration with the Tohum Association, has entered its fourth year. Launched in 2021, the project continues this year in Eskişehir following successful trial plantings in Thrace, Konya, and Adana. The initiative is carried out with technical support from Agricultural Research Institutes.

In its fourth year, the Domestic Sunflower Seed Development and Farmer Support Project, launched by Yudum and Tohum Association in 2021, is reaching farmers in Eskişehir. With technical assistance from the Trakya Agricultural Research Institute (TTAE), domestic sunflower seeds were distributed to local farmers in Eskişehir.

The project aims to develop high-yield domestic sunflower seeds and increase agricultural diversity in Turkey. Since its inception, sunflower farmers have been supported through various initiatives. In the project's fourth year, 70 farmers from the Seyitgazi, Mahmudiye, and Çifteler districts of Eskişehir one of Turkey’s major grain production centers received domestic sunflower seeds. The seed distribution event, held on April 3, 2024, was attended by Savola Gıda Turkey’s General Manager Houmer Balazadeh and Tohum Association’s Chairman Musa Kaya.

Building a Strong Farmer Network in Eskişehir

As with previous plantings in Thrace, Konya, and Adana, a farmer network was also established in Eskişehir as part of the project. Seed support was prioritized for women, young farmers, and those in need. Throughout the project, farmers included in the network receive hands-on training and technical support in addition to seed assistance.

"We Work Together as the Public Sector, Private Sector, and Civil Society to Develop High-Yield Sunflower Seeds"

Speaking at the seed distribution event, Savola Gıda Turkey’s General Manager, Houmer Balazadeh, said:

"With the Domestic Sunflower Seed Development and Farmer Support Project, which we launched in 2021, we have been working closely with farmers in Turkey’s key sunflower production regions for four years. Today, we are delighted to meet with farmers in Eskişehir. During the sunflower planting season, we provided local farmers with domestic seed support.

For the past four years, we have worked together as the private sector, public sector, and civil society to develop high-yield domestic seeds that are resilient to climate conditions. Throughout this journey, our farmers have also played a crucial role in supporting the development of Turkish agriculture."

Tohum Association’s Chairman, Musa Kaya, also highlighted the significance of the initiative:

"The Domestic Sunflower Seed Development and Farmer Support Project, which we carried out in collaboration with Savola Gıda Turkey, is a first in the industry. The farmer network we established in the first year of the project has grown stronger each year, now including a total of 1,000 farmers. Farmers from Thrace, Konya, and Adana have been part of this network, and this year, Eskişehir farmers have joined as well.

We continue to provide hands-on training, technical support, and domestic seed assistance to farmers. We are pleased to collaborate with Savola Gıda Turkey on this project, which contributes significantly to sunflower producers and the country’s agriculture."

As a leader in Turkey’s edible oil industry, Yudum, in collaboration with the Tohum Association, has designed this project with sustainability in mind—supporting farmers comprehensively and increasing production with domestic seeds.