The institution known as TKDK, which stands for the Agricultural and Rural Development Support Institution, was established in 2007 and is an aid fund and support program organization that ensures the necessary projects for development in the agricultural field in rural areas are carried out. Within the institution, assistance is provided to farmers in rural areas, and support funds and loan facilitation supports are given. In general, the purpose of the TKDK institution is to provide agricultural incentives and to demonstrate the value of farmers. Through support and projects, it aims to increase farmers' agricultural performance and to carry out business activities in rural areas with assistance.

What Does the Agricultural and Rural Development Support Institution (TKDK) Do?

The topics addressed in the projects at the Agricultural and Rural Development Support Institution are agriculture, animal husbandry, and rural area activities. In this context, projects are developed, and by examining the application forms of businesses or individuals, relevant support and aid funds are provided. The primary factor in reviewing applications is the suitability of the producer and their activities to the supports provided by the institution. If individuals and businesses possess the qualifications to benefit from the supports and projects in agriculture and animal husbandry, they can benefit from the supports provided by the TKDK. It is crucial to fulfill the necessary conditions to benefit from the TKDK grants.

What Are the Supported Provinces by the Agricultural and Rural Development Support Institution (TKDK)?

Not all provinces in Turkey are eligible for support under the Agricultural and Rural Development Support Institution (TKDK) for the projects carried out. Therefore, before applying, it is necessary to ensure that the relevant provinces for the projects are accepted by the TKDK. The provinces supported by TKDK within the scope of IPARD are listed as follows: Afyonkarahisar, Ağrı, Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Ardahan, Aydın, Balıkesir, Burdur, Bursa, Çanakkale, Çankırı, Çorum, Denizli, Diyarbakır, Elâzığ, Erzincan, Erzurum, Giresun, Hatay, Isparta, Kahramanmaraş, Karaman, Kars, Kastamonu, Konya, Kütahya, Malatya, Manisa, Mardin, Mersin, Muş, Nevşehir, Ordu, Samsun, Sivas, Şanlıurfa, Tokat, Trabzon, Uşak, Van, and Yozgat.

Who Can Apply for the Projects of the Agricultural and Rural Development Support Institution (TKDK)?

To apply for the projects of the Agricultural and Rural Development Support Institution (TKDK), possessing the necessary qualifications and meeting the relevant conditions is required. The necessary qualifications for individuals and businesses that can apply for TKDK projects, grants, and support packages are as follows;
● Must be over the age of 18 and under 65
● Individuals investing in villages and towns with a population not exceeding 20 thousand within the supported provinces (42 cities) by TKDK
● Individuals engaged in project implementation activities that meet the support criteria
● Individuals who have received the necessary approvals for their projects
● Proof of ownership is required for the relevant activity (for example, a rental agreement for agricultural land or a title deed document indicating ownership)
as listed. The qualifications for individuals who do not have the right to apply are;
● Individuals who do not conduct activities in the relevant provinces for the projects and supports under TKDK (provinces outside the scope of support)
● Individuals who do not fulfill their legal obligations (for example, those who do not pay insurance premiums or taxes)
● Individuals with a criminal record not clean for certain crimes (crimes such as robbery, theft, fraud, fraudulent bankruptcy, forgery, smuggling, bribery can be noted as examples)
● Individuals with a criminal record related to organized crimes in terrorist organizations
● Individuals whose assets or activities are managed by appointed persons
● Legal entities for which bankruptcy, liquidation, and concordat decisions have been made, and whose businesses are managed through a court-appointed trustee
● Individuals who have been blacklisted by the Agricultural and Rural Development Support Institution during the application process, project implementation phase, and post-implementation period
● Individuals with a criminal record for offenses under Articles 102, 103, and 104 of the Turkish Penal Code
as listed. These individuals will not be able to apply for support under TKDK.

What Are the Conditions for TKDK Grants?

There are certain documents and requirements necessary to apply for TKDK grants and projects. Beyond the personal qualifications reviewed in the previous title, it is crucial to prepare and submit the required documents. The documents requested for TKDK grant applications are as follows:
● A photocopy of the identification card must be prepared.
● A notarized signature declaration or circular must be submitted.
● A photocopy of the title deed for the land intended for farming under the grant
● If the land to be farmed is rented, a notarized lease agreement of at least 7 years must be submitted. If a rental is being made, the lease must be annotated on the title deed.
● A photocopy of the bank account book must be prepared.
● A title deed registration document indicating no encumbrances must be submitted to the relevant institution bearing a signature, stamp, and seal.
● Documents must be prepared to prove that there are no tax and social security debt.
● If a tractor is owned, a photocopy of the vehicle license for the tractor must be provided (it can also be a rental tractor).
● If an individual is applying, a document indicating that he/she resides in the rural area within the address-based population system must be submitted.

How to Prepare Projects for the Agricultural and Rural Development Support Institution (TKDK)?

It is necessary to establish a plan that outlines the steps to be followed in project preparation. This way, the necessary permits and documents can be properly prepared for the project preparation process and all information can be accurately expressed during the project implementation process. The first step in preparing TKDK projects is to create the project idea. It is important that an investment topic has been determined for IPARD in accordance with these projects. Thus, the supported projects and their conditions can be examined in detail. Secondly, it should be checked for suitability concerning the supported project. Attention should be paid to which projects are accepted and what qualifications are required. Then, the necessary documents for the process are prepared, and the physical processes begin. After completing the necessary things regarding architectural projects, construction projects, service machines, bid determination, and plan preparation, projects are prepared if accepted by TKDK.

Which Projects Does the Agricultural and Rural Development Support Institution (TKDK) Support?

The Agricultural and Rural Development Support Institution (TKDK) was established on May 4, 2007, under Law No. 5648. Its main aim is to ensure the implementation of rural development programs in line with the principles and goals outlined in national development plans, programs, and strategies, encompassing funds provided by the European Union and international organizations. TKDK, which is a relevant institution of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Livestock, is a public institution possessing legal personality, administrative and financial autonomy, and a special budget.

The Support Tool for Pre-Accession Financial Assistance established by the European Union aims to support candidate and potential candidate countries, and TKDK has successfully completed the accreditation and delegation process conducted by the European Commission as of August 30, 2011, and has begun to provide IPARD supports.

The source of financial support provided to beneficiaries for eligible expenses, which ranges between 50% and 65%, is the IPARD Program Fund constituted by the co-financing of the European Union and the Republic of Turkey. This support, known as the "Public Contribution," is provided for investments realized within the program framework in a non-repayable manner.

What Are the Supports of the Agricultural and Rural Development Support Institution (TKDK)?

Investments in Physical Assets of Agricultural Enterprises;
Investment in Dairy Producing Agricultural Enterprises
Investment in Red Meat Producing Agricultural Enterprises
Investment in Poultry Meat Producing Agricultural Enterprises
Investment in Egg Producing Agricultural Enterprises

Investments Related to Processing and Marketing of Agricultural and Fisheries Products;
Processing and Marketing of Milk and Dairy Products
Processing and Marketing of Red Meat and Meat Products
Processing and Marketing of Poultry Meat and Meat Products
Processing and Marketing of Aquatic Products
Processing and Marketing of Fruits and Vegetables

Diversification of Farm Activities and Business Development;
Diversification of Plant Production, Processing and Packaging of Plant Products
Beekeeping and Production, Processing, and Packaging of Bee Products
Craftsmanship and Value-Added Local Products
Rural Tourism and Recreational Activities
Aquaculture
Machine parks
Investments in renewable energy

How Are Application Procedures for the Agricultural and Rural Development Support Institution (TKDK) Carried Out?

Application packages should be delivered to the relevant Provincial Coordination Offices between the dates specified in the Call for Applications. The deadline for receiving applications is determined as the submission date and time stated in the Call for Applications. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
The Application Package includes the Application form and annexes, Business Plan, and Technical Project.

Who Can Apply for Rural Development Grants?

Real and legal persons appearing in any of the registration systems of our Ministry can apply. Legal entities include Anonymous, Limited, and Collective Companies as well as Cooperatives and Unions that fall within the scope of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.
The stated legal entities can apply for investment topics related to the areas of activity specified in their establishment statutes/articles of association.