Founded in 2018 under the leadership of Ebru Baybara Demir, the Topraktan Tabağa Agricultural Development Cooperative is Türkiye’s first social cooperative, offering an innovative model that approaches local development through a public-benefit perspective. Built on the principles of voluntarism and collective effort, the cooperative redefines the traditional cooperative model through professional management, strategic planning, and a strong commitment to sustainability. All revenue generated within the cooperative is reinvested into employment and new initiatives, with no profit distribution, in order to strengthen the local economy.
Through projects implemented primarily in Mardin and the surrounding region, Topraktan Tabağa purchases products from more than 170 small-scale producers at fair prices. These products are processed into value-added goods through the cooperative’s packaging unit, production workshops, and soap facility. Thanks to its e-commerce platform and retail outlets, local products are delivered to consumers across Türkiye, providing farmers with stable income while increasing regional employment.
The cooperative’s work is shaped by a focus on preserving traditional agricultural methods and safeguarding local seeds in response to climate change and drought. Priority is also given to social enterprises that support the economic inclusion of vulnerable groups.
Following the 2023 earthquake, the cooperative’s non-profit structure played a critical role by providing support to disaster-affected regions through the Gönül Mutfağı Soup Kitchen. Today, with its integrated model spanning from production to consumption, Topraktan Tabağa continues to support farmers, create employment opportunities, and contribute to sustainable local development.
www.topraktantabaga.com.tr