Turkey: Agricultural Biotechnology Annual

Turkey published its Biosafety Law and implementing regulations in 2010. This legislation has continued to disrupt trade and Turkey’s domestic agriculture and food sectors. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is the sole authority for biotechnology approvals. The Ministry approved eight genetically engineered soybean and corn traits in the beginning of 2021. As of September 30, 2021, there are only 36 (13 soybean and 23 corn) events approved for feed use in Turkey. No events are approved for food use or cultivation. In 2020, Turkey approved the production of three enzymes for industrial usage purposes by using Aspergillus oryzae improved by modern biotechnological methods in 2020. Testing of imported products remains inconsistent and continues to be a considerable cost for importers.