The Agricultural Credit Cooperatives of Turkey (the ACC) is an agricultural cooperative founded by producers on the basis of mutual aid to protect their economic interests and to provide their subsistence and business related needs. Established to benefit from the provisions of law number 1581 on Agricultural Credit Cooperatives and Unions, the Agricultural Credit Cooperatives of Turkey is a legal entity with replaceable members and capital.
History
The foundation of the Agricultural Credit Cooperatives of Turkey dates back to 1863. The Turkish cooperative movement was started by Midhat Pasha, governor of Niš which was Ottoman territory at the time, with the establishment of “Homeland Funds” (“Memleket Sandıkları”) in 1863 and it gained pace with the foundation of the Republic of Turkey as new laws on cooperatives were enacted. The ACC with its modern nomenclature and structure was established based on law number 2836 which was passed in 1935. The ACC’s foundation was supported by the first president of the Republic of Turkey Kemal Atatürk who was also the first member of the cooperative in Silifke – Tekir Çiftliği. Due to the enforcement of law number 1581 on Agricultural Credit Cooperatives and Unions in 1972, the ACC was able to form regional unions and a central union, which set the basis for a vertical organizational structure.
The ACC operated under Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Ziraat Bankası (Agricultural Bank of the Republic of Turkey) until May 17, 1977, when the Central Union of Agricultural Credit Cooperatives of Turkey was officially opened. Since then Ziraat Bankası has had no managerial responsibilities towards the Agricultural Credit Cooperatives of Turkey, yet it has been acting as the ACC’s financing bank. Even though the ACC went under the overall responsibilities of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock for a decade (1985–1995), today it is an independent farmer organization which owes its current democratic structure to the law number 5330 enacted in 2005.<[1]
Operations
Retail
Tarım Kredi stores operate on a cooperative model, sourcing products directly from member farmers. This direct supply chain minimizes intermediaries, reducing costs and ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce. The product range includes fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, grains, legumes, and other essential food items. Regular promotional campaigns are held, offering discounts on various products. As of 2025, Tarım Kredi Koop has expanded its network to over 4,000 locations across Turkey, making it one of the largest retail chains in the country.
Current store formats
Tarım Kredi Koop Bakkal
Tarım Kredi Koop Bakkal is a retail partnership model launched by the ACC in 2022, aimed at integrating neighborhood grocery stores (bakkals) into the network. It reflects a hybrid model that combines the reach of local grocery stores with the product supply and price stability of cooperative markets. The initiative is particularly focused on rural and lower-income urban neighbourhoods, aiming to reach underserved populations. The initiative allows small shopkeepers to sell Tarım Kredi’s products. Shop owners benefit from increased foot traffic and product diversity, while consumers gain access to affordable essentials close to home. These stores receive a standardised stock of 132 basic consumer goods, including flour, oil, sugar, legumes, dairy, and hygiene products.
Private label brands
Tarım Kredi
Main private label
Tarım Kredi Anadolu
Food
Tarım Kredi Birlik Gurme
Gourmet products
Tarım Kredi elit
Home and personal care
Tarim Kredi TarSüt
Dairy products
Organizational structure
The Agricultural Credit Cooperatives of Turkey renders service to its 1.1 million members with 16 regional unions and 1625 cooperatives, 188 service offices and 7244 personnel.<r[2] Agricultural Credit Cooperatives of Turkey is managed by the Board of Directors elected by its members.
Regulations
Law Number 1581 on Agricultural Credit Cooperatives and Unions.<r[3]
Articles of Association
Articles of Association of the Agricultural Credit Cooperatives of Turkey.<r[4]
References
- Türkiye Tarım Kredi Kooperatifleri^
- Türkiye Tarım Kredi Kooperatifleri retrieved 2015-03-12^
- Archived copy retrieved 2015-03-12^