EBRD Commits €20 Million to Strengthen MAY Seed’s Recovery and Climate‑Resilient Crop Research

EBRD Commits €20 Million to Strengthen MAY Seed’s Recovery and Climate‑Resilient Crop Research

(IN BRIEF) The EBRD has extended a €20 million loan to MAY Seed, Türkiye’s leading private seed producer, to shore up its working capital and fund critical investments after the 2023 earthquakes disrupted its operations. The financing also underpins the company’s research into climate‑resilient crop varieties. EBRD’s support will help restore the seed supply chain and sustain agricultural productivity. MAY Seed, which pioneered seed R&D in Türkiye in 1997, continues to drive innovation in climate-smart agriculture. Key figures from the EBRD and MAY Seed highlighted the partnership’s significance for business recovery and long‑term food security.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 17-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a €20 million loan to Türkiye’s May Agro Tohumculuk, Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi (MAY Seed) to bolster its working capital and fund capital expenditures following the severe disruption to sales, supply chains, and logistics caused by the 2023 earthquakes. Beyond immediate recovery needs, this financing will also advance MAY Seed’s ongoing development of new crop varieties engineered to withstand climate stress.

With EBRD backing, MAY Seed can reinforce its supply network and continue supplying farmers with competitively priced, climate‑resilient seeds, ensuring agricultural productivity despite past setbacks. As one of Türkiye’s foremost homegrown seed producers, MAY Seed stands out for its extensive breeding programs and R&D efforts. Notably, in 1997 the company was the first private Turkish seed firm to launch research initiatives aimed at fortifying crops against the impacts of climate change.

Natalia Zhukova, EBRD Head of Food and Agribusiness, remarked, “MAY Seed’s leadership in seed innovation and climate adaptation is vital for global food security. This loan will help the company recover from earthquake‑related disruptions while maintaining its pioneering work in sustainable seed production.”

Yusuf Yormazoğlu, Co‑Chairman of MAY Seed, added, “Our enduring collaboration with the EBRD has been instrumental during challenging economic times. We are grateful for their confidence and support, which enable us to enhance our resilience and make a lasting contribution to Turkish and global agriculture. By advancing climate‑resilient seed varieties, we secure farmers’ futures and strengthen the food supply.”

Since 2009, the EBRD has invested over €22 billion in Türkiye across 495 projects and trade finance agreements, predominantly supporting the private sector.

Media Contact:

Dilara Sari

Email: media@ebrd.com

SOURCE: EBRD

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