Towards a Better Future Together: Dedicated to Sustainable Seed Production
TASACO views sustainability not merely as a business model but also as an expression of its deep responsibility towards society and the environment. Maintaining ecological balance while meeting the evolving population needs of our country and ensuring healthy and reliable access to food is a cornerstone of TASACO’s mission. This vision reflects our desire to leave a livable world for future generations by leading in sustainable seed production and distribution.
For this purpose, we are working for our farmers—our most valuable stakeholders. Ensuring they have access to productive and high-quality seeds in a more sustainable and economical way is not just a goal for us, but also a passion. Through contract farming, we share our knowledge and experience with our customers, contributing to their development and emphasizing the importance of sustainable agriculture. On this journey, we progress towards a better future by respecting nature at every step and prioritizing the welfare of our farmers. TASACO is investing in a sustainable future with healthy seeds.
1. Shaping the Future with Sustainability
Our Journey TASACO closely follows the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations in 2015, which are vital for the future of our planet. These goals focus on critical issues such as ending extreme poverty, fighting inequality and injustice, and tackling climate change. These global goals, accepted by all member states, serve as a guide for the well-being of our people and our planet. As part of the agricultural sector, TASACO focuses on three of these goals in particular, using our leading position in the sector to create a sustainable future. These are: enhancing global food security through the ‘Zero Hunger’ goal, promoting efficient use of resources through ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’, and preserving our planet by supporting ‘Life on Land’. These three goals form the foundation of TASACO’s sustainability policy and guide us in making decisions that shape both our present and our future as a market leader in sustainable solutions in the agricultural sector Every step taken towards a sustainable world is a source of progress and hope for us.
2. The Rise of Sustainable Agriculture with TASACO
Since its establishment in 1996, TASACO has entered the agricultural sector with the production of snack corn and has responded to our country’s needs in the seed industry, taking a pioneering role in the sector with innovative and sustainable approaches. We operate in a way that respects the environment and human health, adding value to the global seed industry, starting with the Turkish farmer and industrialist.
Sustainability is one of TASACO’s core operating principles. With the combination of quality seed production, agronomic expertise, and digital capabilities, we help our customers achieve their business goals while reducing resource use and contributing to the protection of our planet.
With this vision, we assist our farmers and agriculture-based industries in achieving their productivity and profitability goals. In this process, we focus on our goal of providing a healthy, safe, and sustainable global food supply, creating value for all our stakeholders and shaping the agriculture of the future. TASACO’s journey is a concrete example of the steps taken towards a sustainable world, and we are proud to further this mission every day.
3. Towards a Sustainable Future: TASACO's Strategic Approach
As TASACO, we structure our sustainability efforts in a strategic and comprehensive manner. This approach not only concretizes our contribution to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals but also forms the basis of our company’s growth strategy. Sustainability is considered from a broad perspective, including not only environmental factors but also social and economic dimensions.
3.1. Sustainable Seed Production with TASACO's Innovative Approach
With a vision for more sustainable seed production, TASACO has taken a significant step by launching its own R&D center. This strategic move serves to reduce dependence on foreign seeds and minimize the high costs associated with elite seeds and breeders’ rights.
Considering our country’s geographical diversity and the necessity to cultivate strategic crops like wheat over a wide area, this step by TASACO is of great importance. Our seed production facilities established in the Marmara, Central Anatolia, and Eastern Mediterranean regions reduce production costs and contribute to reducing our carbon footprint through a contract farming system. Additionally, by establishing our own Certification Laboratory, TASACO has made the certified seed production process more efficient and cost-effective. This laboratory is designed to reduce costs in areas such as seed certification, reliability, cleanliness, and health, and to enhance traceability capabilities. Sustainability is a priority in every business process at TASACO. From farmer training to field checks, and from chemical fertilizer and pesticide use, every aspect is considered with the protection of soil and water resources in mind.
With a vision for more sustainable seed production, TASACO has taken a significant step by launching its own R&D center. This strategic move serves to reduce dependence on foreign seeds and minimize the high costs associated with elite seeds and breeders’ rights.
Considering our country’s geographical diversity and the necessity to cultivate strategic crops like wheat over a wide area, this step by TASACO is of great importance. Our seed production facilities established in the Marmara, Central Anatolia, and Eastern Mediterranean regions reduce production costs and contribute to reducing our carbon footprint through a contract farming system. Additionally, by establishing our own Certification Laboratory, TASACO has made the certified seed production process more efficient and cost-effective. This laboratory is designed to reduce costs in areas such as seed certification, reliability, cleanliness, and health, and to enhance traceability capabilities. Sustainability is a priority in every business process at TASACO. From farmer training to field checks, and from chemical fertilizer and pesticide use, every aspect is considered with the protection of soil and water resources in mind.
The synergy created with the participation of our Regional Sales and Marketing teams ensures that certified seeds are effectively introduced and provided to farmers. With this approach, we provide farmers with the knowledge, experience, and solutions necessary to achieve higher yields using fewer resources.
TASACO continues to play a leading role in the agricultural sector with this innovative and sustainable approach.
3.2. Employee Health, Safety, and Welfare at TASACO
At TASACO, we adopt an approach that prioritizes the development and welfare of our employees. In this context, we offer targeted training programs to prepare them for increasing challenges and actively contribute to our company’s development. These trainings are designed to enhance our staff’s skills and help them achieve their career goals. We implement comprehensive personnel planning to ensure the continuity and motivation of our staff. This planning is designed to guide them in their career journeys and increase their job satisfaction. We also provide a wide range of social and health programs, from health services to entertainment activities, supporting the physical and mental health of our employees. In the area of Occupational Health and Safety, TASACO places great importance on continuously improving our working conditions and organizational structure. Protective measures and preventive maintenance programs implemented in workplaces aim to keep the safety of our employees and our workplace at the highest level. Ensuring that the machines and equipment used in our production facilities comply with all normative standards guarantees that our employees and the environment are not exposed to any hazards. TASACO not only complies with current standards in employee health and safety but also aims to identify and implement the best practices in this field.
Employee Health, Safety, and Welfare at TASACO
At TASACO, we adopt an approach that prioritizes the development and welfare of our employees. In this context, we offer targeted training programs to prepare them for increasing challenges and actively contribute to our company’s development. These trainings are designed to enhance our staff’s skills and help them achieve their career goals. We implement comprehensive personnel planning to ensure the continuity and motivation of our staff. This planning is designed to guide them in their career journeys and increase their job satisfaction. We also provide a wide range of social and health programs, from health services to entertainment activities, supporting the physical and mental health of our employees. In the area of Occupational Health and Safety, TASACO places great importance on continuously improving our working conditions and organizational structure. Protective measures and preventive maintenance programs implemented in workplaces aim to keep the safety of our employees and our workplace at the highest level. Ensuring that the machines and equipment used in our production facilities comply with all normative standards guarantees that our employees and the environment are not exposed to any hazards. TASACO not only complies with current standards in employee health and safety but also aims to identify and implement the best practices in this field.
3.3. Protection and Security of Personal Data at TASACO**
TASACO is aware of the importance of protecting and securing personal data, demonstrating the necessary care and sensitivity in this regard. We act in full compliance with the “Personal Data Protection” law enacted on 07.04.2016, number 6698, to protect the personal data of our customers, employees, and all business partners. Data security is not only a legal obligation for our company but also an ethical responsibility. In this direction, we take all necessary technical and administrative measures to ensure the security of personal data. These measures protect data from unauthorized access, loss, or damage and ensure full compliance with legislation and international law.
TASACO commits to conducting the processes of securely storing, processing, and, when necessary, deleting personal data at the highest standards. These processes, based on principles of transparency, accountability, and reliability, reflect our company’s commitment to protecting personal data and our responsibility in this area. TASACO views the protection of personal data as an essential part of customer and employee satisfaction and continues to work on continuous improvement and development in this area.
4. Our Effort to Protect the Environment: Combating Global Warming and Climate Change
Global warming, one of the most urgent problems facing our planet, arises as a result of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. The responsibility to reduce these emissions lies with both individuals and institutions. One of the most effective ways to combat global climate change is through individual awareness and the development of sustainable consumption habits. Changes in individuals’ consumption habits contribute significantly to reducing the carbon footprint produced by daily activities such as transportation and heating, and to changing life cycles. At TASACO, we are committed to protecting the ecosystem, minimizing our negative impacts on the environment, and preventing natural degradation. In this context, we offer incentives for awareness and sustainable lifestyles both in our company activities and in society in general. By playing a proactive role in the fight against climate change, we continue our goal of creating a healthier and more livable world for future generations.
TASACO assumes the responsibility of being an active participant in solving this global problem and aims to lead in environmental sustainability.
Sustainable Soil Management: TASACO’s Approach to Soil
TASACO places great importance on the sustainable management of soil, which forms the foundation of agriculture.
Whether selecting seeds or planning after harvest, we are aware that sustainable soil management strategies should always be a priority. Soil consumes nutrients and organic materials during the crop cultivation process.
Failure to add the necessary nutrients to the soil can lead to reduced yields. Healthy soil provides an excellent environment for plants with high organic matter content, balanced structure, and nutrient richness. This provides the necessary nutrients to plants naturally, reducing the need for inputs.
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a) Increasing Soil Organic Matter
The role of animals and microorganisms living in the soil is significant in increasing the organic matter content of the soil. Organisms such as worms, insects, beneficial nematodes, fungi, and mycorrhizae decompose crop residues, facilitating the formation of organic matter in the soil. When the decomposition process is complete, nutrients become available for use by plants. This process leads to plants requiring less chemical fertilizer. The use of green manure and well-composted animal manure is recommended to reduce chemical fertilizer use.
b) Minimizing Soil Tillage
The process of preparing the soil for sowing seeds and cultivating plants using various soil tillage tools is defined as soil tillage.
TASACO emphasizes the importance of reduced tillage and no-till agriculture practices. These practices help reduce soil erosion and increase the water retention capacity of crops in arid lands.
Additionally, they reduce fuel use and increase carbon sequestration in the soil.
No-till agriculture involves leaving crop residues (harvest residue) on the soil surface without tillage after harvest, which almost completely prevents soil erosion. When the soil is not frequently tilled, it supports the development of organisms such as mycorrhizae, fungi, and worms that increase the soil’s water retention rate.
Farmers, especially in terms of labor savings, benefit greatly from adopting no-till agriculture. While traditional tillage methods involve plowing the field multiple times for seed sowing, reduced tillage reduces this number, and no-till agriculture eliminates plowing altogether.
TASACO provides information and support to farmers to minimize or eliminate soil tillage, thereby promoting more sustainable agricultural practices that preserve the natural balance of the soil.
c) Keeping the Soil Surface Covered with Residue
The use of cover crops is becoming increasingly important in sustainable farming practices, especially in developed countries. Cover crops enhance the nitrogen and organic matter content of the soil, improving soil structure and significantly reducing the likelihood of soil erosion. This offers new opportunities for growers to improve soil structure and adopt sustainable farming practices.
Leaving fields open during the winter and after harvest makes them vulnerable to erosion caused by wind and rain, challenging growers to create a healthy foundation for summer crops. The use of cover crops reduces this erosion risk, helping to create healthier soil conditions.
In reduced or no-till agriculture, the use of crop residues reduces surface runoff, allowing the soil to retain more water. This reduces the mixing of surface waters contaminated with agricultural chemicals and fertilizers into rivers. This practice is vital for protecting our water resources from pollution by agricultural chemicals (pesticides) and nitrate (nitrogen). TASACO advises farmers to implement these methods, thereby protecting our water resources and promoting sustainable farming practices. These practices preserve the natural balance of the soil while also contributing to the sustainability of agricultural production.
d) Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is an important part of sustainable farming practices supported by TASACO. Growing different types of plants improves the nutrient balance of the soil and increases the availability of different nutrients for subsequent crops. This depends on the type of crop grown and alters the type and amount of nutrients used in the soil. The implementation of crop rotation is also effective in preventing soil erosion. Keeping the field continuously covered with vegetation protects soil particles against heavy rain and wind. The roots of each crop grow to different lengths, anchoring in the soil at different depths throughout the seasons, thereby reducing soil erosion.
Additionally, the decomposition of different types of plant roots increases the organic matter content of the soil. Rotating different types of plants reduces the populations of diseases, pests, and weeds, which helps reduce the use of agricultural chemicals.
The inclusion of legumes in the crop rotation is critically important for sustainable agriculture. Legumes release nitrogen into the soil, significantly reducing the use of chemical nitrogen fertilizers. TASACO recommends crop rotations including legumes for sustainable seed production. This approach not only preserves soil health but also contributes to more sustainable farming practices.
Water Management:
TASACO places great importance on efficiently managing and reducing water consumption in seed production and R&D activities at our production facilities. In this direction, we use more efficient sprinkler and drip irrigation systems instead of traditional flood irrigation methods. These modern irrigation techniques allow us to use water resources more sustainably while significantly reducing water consumption during the seed production process.
The microbiological quality levels of irrigation waters used by our contract corn growers are also of great importance. In this context, we ensure regular analysis of irrigation waters. These analyses guarantee that the microbiological quality levels of irrigation waters are kept below acceptable values. This approach is one of the fundamental pillars of healthy and sustainable food production.
Additionally, we consider the acceptable limits for heavy metal ratios in foods determined by the World Health Organization (WHO). We strictly monitor the heavy metal ratios in the snack corn and other food raw materials we produce under contract. This is important for maintaining our products at healthy and sustainable standards. At TASACO, protecting our water resources and adopting sustainability principles in our production processes is a fundamental priority for us. These approaches help us fulfill our environmental responsibilities and sustain our healthy food production.
CO2 Emissions Management:
TASACO is taking proactive steps to reduce its carbon footprint and is making significant efforts in this direction. As a company, we prefer to use electric energy instead of fossil fuels in our seed preparation facilities and working offices. This change makes our overall energy use more environmentally friendly and is an important step towards reducing our CO2 emissions. The use of electric energy provides a cleaner and more sustainable source of energy compared to fossil fuels. This allows us to optimize our operating costs and reduce our environmental impact. Reducing CO2 emissions plays a critical role in combating climate change, and TASACO aims to be a leader in its sector in this regard. As part of our sustainable environmental policies, we aim not only to reduce our CO2 emissions but also to transition to a greener and more sustainable business model. This approach is part of the fight against global climate change and demonstrates our company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. TASACO continues its efforts in this direction, determined to fulfill its responsibilities towards both the environment and society.
Solid Waste Management:
TASACO adopts sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to managing the waste generated in its production facilities. Materials such as dust, soil, weed seeds, and organic waste produced during the seed production stage are carefully collected and safely disposed of in areas designated by municipalities. This process ensures that wastes are disposed of without harming the environment and in compliance with legal regulations.
Non-organic wastes, namely chemicals used in seed treatment and chemical wastes generated in R&D activities, are of particular importance. These types of wastes are managed in a way that minimizes harm to the environment. Collected in a controlled manner in closed environments, these wastes are transported to locations designated by municipalities and safely disposed of. This process minimizes the potential harms to the environment and provides waste management in accordance with our sustainability principles.
5. Our Partners
As TASACO, we prefer to work with farmers who attach great importance to the sustainable use of agricultural lands and irrigation water as our partners in the agricultural sector. In this context, we prioritize medium and large-scale farmers registered in the Farmer Registration System (ÇKS) established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, conducting contract seed production in different regions of our country. This approach contributes to the widespread adoption of sustainable farming practices and encourages farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices.
Our collaboration with our farmers focuses on increasing their productivity, agricultural governance, profitability, and quality of life. To this end, we advise our farmers to take a holistic approach to their farms and use nature-compatible, integrated production methods. Such a management plan increases farmers’ incomes and the efficiency of farm resources, generally supporting agricultural sustainability. As TASACO, we regularly observe our farmers’ farms and contribute to the integration of sustainable farming practices. By identifying areas that are lacking, we help them make necessary improvements in these areas. This strategy not only helps our farmers improve their agricultural practices but also contributes to achieving the sustainability goals of the agricultural sector in general. Together with our farmers, we work to build a greener, more productive, and more sustainable agricultural future.
6. Our Future: Our Sustainability Journey
TASACO acts with the awareness that natural resources are not infinite and unlimited, adopting an approach that considers future generations. Our commitment to sustainability, supported by everyone from managers to employees in our company, serves our purpose of taking on our social responsibility and leaving a green, healthy, and more livable world for future generations. This commitment includes fulfilling our responsibility to protect the environment we impact, based on a system that is human-centric, economically, ecologically, and socially acceptable. As the TASACO family, we are creating a company culture that truly supports sustainable production from R&D to the end of certified seed production. This culture involves mobilizing all the resources of our human resources in this direction. Our goal is not only to prioritize sustainability principles in our current business activities but also in all our future plans. This approach ensures the integration of sustainability in every decision and activity of our company. Sustainable production is part of TASACO’s commitment to the future, and we continuously seek innovative and responsible ways to fulfill this commitment. We believe that the legacy we leave for future generations is a green and sustainable world, and we continue our efforts to realize this vision.
