The Turkish Seed Growers' Association (TÜRKTOB) brought the R&D needs of the seed sector to the agenda at a workshop held in Ankara with its stakeholders. R&D problems and solution proposals of the seed sector were discussed at the Common Mind Platform held on March 26-27 under the moderation of TÜBİTAK TÜSSİDE.

The workshop started with the opening speech of TÜRKTOB President Yıldıray Gençer. In his speech, Mr. Gençer emphasized the importance of R&D today and stated that the outputs will form the backbone of the sector's strategy document. Dr. Ali Osman Sarı, Deputy Director General of the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM) of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, stated that it was very pleasing for the sector to hold a workshop with the title of R&D. Finally, Dr. Vehbi Eser, Member of the Board of Directors of Turkish Seed Growers' Association (TÜRKTOB) and Vice President of Plant Breeders' Sub-association (BİSAB), emphasized to the participants what R&D is, why it is important and why R&D activities should be given importance in the sector.

Following the speeches, thematic groups consisting of representatives of TÜRKTOB and its sub-associations, officials from the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, representatives of private sector companies that are members of the association, academicians and managers of relevant non-governmental organizations evaluated the current situation of the R&D needs of the seed sector in Turkey. Subsequently, a proposal development study was carried out to address the current situation and emerging needs. The workshop ended with the completion of the elaboration of the prominent suggestions of each group.