#Food Security #Iraq #Baghdad #IFC #Tiryaki Agro

Strategic Partnership Between Tiryaki Agro and IFC

A New Era for Food Security in Iraq

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Tiryaki Agro Holding, one of Türkiye's leading agricultural supply chain companies, has joined forces with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to enhance food and feed security in Iraq. This partnership was officially launched on September 13, 2025, during the IFC Partnerships Day, attended by notable figures including His Excellency Mr. Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, the Prime Minister of Iraq. The event celebrated two decades of IFC's impactful presence in the country, and this new initiative sets the stage for significant advancements in Iraq's agricultural infrastructure.

Feasibility Studies and Environmental Responsibilities

The initial focus of this initiative will be on conducting feasibility studies and Environmental & Social (ES) screenings, following the IFC's Performance Standards. These assessments will play a crucial role in confirming market demand, optimizing cost-effectiveness, and ensuring the program's long-term commercial viability.

Key objectives of the project include:

• - Soil and Water Resource Analyses: Identifying appropriate crop patterns to boost productivity.
• - Renewable Energy Integration: Incorporating sustainable energy production and developing advanced silo and storage facilities to minimize waste and strengthen supply chains.
• - Local Farmer Training: Implementing tailored training programs to encourage modern, sustainable farming practices among Iraqi farmers.
• - Building Resilient Agribusiness: Establishing robust agricultural infrastructure to enhance rural development and food security.

This multi-phase investment initiates with over $120 million, part of a greater financial commitment that is expected to exceed several times that amount. This step marks a significant investment in Iraq’s future, emphasizing both climate responsibility and regional stability.

Expert Opinions

Süleyman Tiryakioğlu, CEO of Tiryaki Agro, expressed that this initiative is critical not only for improving Iraq's food and feed security but also serves as a vital step toward enhancing regional stability. He stated, "The fruitful partnership with the IFC signifies an exceptional chance to utilize Tiryaki Agro's 60 years of experience in the agricultural supply chain within Iraq."

Fatih Tiryakioğlu, a Board Member at Tiryaki Agro, reiterated the project's commitment to assessing Iraq's agricultural conditions extensively. He shared insights about focusing on various aspects of agricultural innovation, including renewable energy, modern logistics, and farmer education. With the construction of 39 facilities across 14 Iraqi cities, the project is poised to improve efficiency and technology adoption significantly while integrating local producers into global supply chains.

IFC’s Role in Enhancing Livelihoods

Shelisa Samgy from IFC emphasized that this initiative will play a pivotal role in fostering job opportunities and strengthening the food security framework within Iraq. She noted, "Our aim is to ensure the project's financial viability while fostering local farmers' capacity to adopt sustainable practices, ultimately reducing dependency on grain imports."

Tiryaki Agro's Commitment to Iraq

Tiryaki Agro's commitment to Iraq is not new. In 2024, the company launched one of the country’s largest agribusiness investments through its soy crushing and corn storage facility in Umm Qasr. This facility now commands a production capacity of one million tons and contributes significantly to Iraq's feed market. With approximately 290 employees, primarily local Iraqi nationals, Tiryaki Agro facilitates technology transfer and promotes sustainable practices in the agricultural sector.

The new collaboration will build on an earlier financing arrangement worth $112.5 million, facilitated by IFC, FMO, and Proparco for the Umm Qasr facility. With the Food and Feed Security Compounds (FFSC) program, this partnership aims to create a modern and sustainable agricultural supply chain, significantly contributing to Iraq’s future food security.

About Tiryaki Agro

Tiryaki Agro has a rich history of 60 years in the agricultural supply chain. As one of the world's foremost companies in this field, Tiryaki Agro’s operations cover the entire supply chain—right from certified seed production to field cultivation, and extending all the way to logistics and consumer outreach. The company processes agricultural products sourced from around 45 countries, with its extensive operations distributed across 29 facilities in 11 different locations across three continents, processing five million tons annually to serve customers in over 50 countries. Tiryaki Agro’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and innovative solutions echoes its mission to ensure food security for generations to come.

For further information, you can contact:

• - Mustafa Alkan at [email protected]
• - Aslıhan Atlı at [email protected]

This partnership marks not just a collaboration, but a promise towards a brighter, food-secure future for Iraq.