Successful Implementation of IPARD III Program in Turkey: €70 Million Investment with EU Support
The IPARD III program, implemented by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry through the Agricultural and Rural Development Support Institution (TKDK), has so far supported 319 projects with €42 million in grants. This support has attracted a total investment of €70.3 million across various sectors.
Co-financed by Turkey and the European Union (EU), the program has been in operation since 2011, positioning Turkey as the leading candidate country in utilizing EU financial resources under this scheme. Since its expansion to all 81 provinces of Turkey last year, the program’s total budget has increased from €555 million to €785 million, with Turkey’s national contribution share rising from 25% to 50%.
Support for Diverse Economic Sectors
The IPARD III program covers a wide range of sectors, including livestock and crop production, handicrafts, rural tourism, renewable energy, and agricultural machinery development. It has not only contributed to high-value-added production infrastructure but also played a key role in creating new employment opportunities in rural areas.
Financial Facilities and Support Priorities
Grant support under the program ranges between 50% and 75% of total project costs, with minimum and maximum funding amounts set at €5,000 and €3 million, respectively. Additionally, TKDK implements positive discrimination policies to encourage greater participation of women and youth in agricultural and rural development activities.
Upcoming Initiatives
This year, five new calls with a total budget of €188 million will be announced for projects in various fields, including Local Development Strategies (LEADER). The first call was launched on June 2.
The program has received strong interest from applicants and is expected to play a crucial role in the economic transformation of Turkey’s rural regions.
