Turkey's IPARD III (M3) Scheme is now open, targeting SMEs and producer organizations with grants up to €3 Million, accelerating the country's alignment with EU food standards for global sourcing.
ANKARA – International firms seeking to establish or modernize high-standard food production facilities in Turkey now have access to a substantial financial lifeline. The Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology, under the IPARD III Rural Development Program (M3 Measure), has launched a new call offering non-refundable grants (hibe) of 50% to 70% on eligible investments, with project budgets reaching up to €3 Million.
This EU-supported program is specifically designed to elevate the technology, quality, and environmental compliance of Turkey’s agricultural and fisheries processing sectors, making it a critical mechanism for foreign investors prioritizing AB standards in their global sourcing strategy.
The Grant Opportunity: Investment Ceilings and Support Rates
The grant focuses on modernizing physical assets related to the processing and marketing of agricultural and fishery products, offering a powerful incentive for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and producer organizations.
Subsidy Rate:50% for SMEs and 70% for producer organizations or organizations dominated by producers.
Currency Conversion: For the current call, 1 Euro = 46.7776 TL is used for calculations.
Sustainability Bonus: An additional 10% is added to the grant rate for expenditures on wastewater treatment, efficient waste use, and renewable energy investments (e.g., on-grid solar for self-consumption).
Expert Analysis: The Time-Sensitive Advantage
“The M3 measure is a direct reflection of Turkey’s commitment to integrating into high-value European supply chains,” says Dr. Esra Güler, an international trade policy analyst. “The 50% non-refundable grant for SMEs, coupled with the 10% sustainability bonus, creates an unparalleled financial opportunity. Foreign companies can leverage this to build or upgrade facilities that are compliant with global standards, effectively subsidizing their capital investment by half.”
Foreign companies looking to benefit must operate through a Turkish legal entity that qualifies as an SME and is registered with KOSGEB. The competitive nature of the grant, coupled with strict application deadlines, demands expert planning.
Ali Burç, Managing Partner at Burç Consulting, emphasizes the critical timeline: “The window for the IPARD III 10th Call is extremely narrow, closing on December 24, 2025. Furthermore, project structuring is key—the €3 Million maximum total support limit across the entire 2021-2027 IPARD period means strategic allocation of funds is essential. Our team specializes in ensuring KOSGEB registration is compliant, the business plan meets all capacity and technical criteria (e.g., minimum 10 tons/day dairy processing capacity), and that the application is submitted precisely by the deadline to capture this significant EU-backed funding.”
Application Details and Eligibility
Who is Eligible? SMEs, Producer Organizations, and legal entities where Producer Organizations hold a dominant stake. KOSGEB registration is mandatory.
Who is NOT Eligible? Public entities or those with over 25% public share (excluding Ziraat Chambers).
Deadline: Online application system closes December 24, 2025, at 18.00. Physical document submission deadline is December 29, 2025, at 18.00.
