STB Chairman of the Board Mustafa Genç evaluated the activities carried out during the 2022–2026 term at the Joint Meeting of Professional Committees
President Mustafa Genç: “We Have Taken Significant Steps for Our Exchange”
In a presentation delivered at the Joint Meeting of Professional Committees, Sakarya Commodity Exchange Chairman of the Board Mustafa Genç reviewed the work carried out by the Exchange during the 2022–2026 term. He stated that significant initiatives had been undertaken over the past four years in areas such as strengthening institutional infrastructure, digital transformation, member services, sectoral representation, and communication.
Institutional Capacity Strengthened with the New Service Building
Noting that the new service building was one of the most important investments of the term, President Genç highlighted that the new facility created more functional spaces for member services, meetings, representation, and administrative activities, while the technological infrastructure was upgraded to meet modern requirements.
Digital Transformation Reflected in Member Services
Stating that they prioritized digitalization in the Exchange’s service processes, President Mustafa Genç mentioned the implementation of the Real-Time Price and Volume Tracking System—alongside "E-Exchange" software development—which enables more effective monitoring of the prices and trading volumes of products traded on the Exchange.
Genç also noted the creation of the STB Agricultural Markets Information Platform to facilitate easier access to up-to-date market data for members, stating that price information, sectoral reports, analyses, and bulletins have been made accessible from a single point. 52.7% Increase in Membership
Sharing the results of member-focused initiatives, President Genç said, "The number of active members, which stood at 827 when we took office in November 2022, has reached 1,263. This represents a 52.7% increase in our active membership. During the same period, we registered 633 new members and facilitated the transition of 94 members from suspended to active status."
Stating that the Exchange’s service portfolio has been expanded through Marmara ÜPAK agency services, Mustafa Genç noted that the number of Marmara ÜPAK members reached 962 by the end of September 2026.
"We Have Actively Followed Up on Sectoral Issues"
Emphasizing that Professional Committees serve as a vital bridge between the Exchange and the various sectors, President Genç stated that members' demands and expectations are regularly evaluated through these committees.
Genç noted that they have pursued numerous sectoral issues with relevant institutions—ranging from the reopening of the Livestock Exchange and the fight against the brown marmorated stink bug to addressing problems with TMO grain sales, developing forward sales options, preventing grain loss, and conducting combine harvester inspections—adding that they not only raise members' issues but also monitor the resolution processes.
Strengthened Corporate Communication
President Mustafa Genç stated that, alongside the Exchange's operations, they place great importance on effectively communicating sectoral issues and expectations to the public, noting the active use of the press, the website, and social media channels. Genç noted that during this period, the corporate identity was revamped, a corporate promotional film was produced, and corporate activities and sectoral developments were shared with members and the public via the *Borsa* (Exchange) Magazine; he also stated that they had brought the agenda of the agriculture and livestock sectors to national media platforms.
Chairman Genç said, “Throughout the recent period, we operated with an Exchange philosophy that prioritized our members' needs, utilized technology effectively, monitored the challenges facing our sectors, and contributed to the development of agriculture in Sakarya.”
**Professional Committees Evaluated Sectoral Agendas**
Following Chairman Genç’s presentation, Professional Committee Chairmen and members took the floor to share details regarding the work being carried out in their respective sectors.
Doğan Kardeş, a member of the 1st Professional Committee, provided information on the physical and technological improvements made to the Livestock Exchange as part of his assessment of the live animal sector. He outlined initiatives aimed at implementing an auction-based sales system, as well as efforts to prevent unregistered activity and the entry of illicit livestock, and to enhance market security.
Nizamettin Sarı, a member of the 2nd Professional Committee, highlighted the importance of discussions held with the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) regarding the grain sector. Noting that requests concerning forward sales, purchasing goods via letters of guarantee, and the sector's access to finance had been conveyed to the relevant authorities, Sarı emphasized the importance of monitoring imported grain data and sharing current sectoral developments with members.
Bülent Bebek, Chairman of the 3rd Professional Committee, assessed the challenges faced by producers in the grain and legume sectors, particularly during the harvest season. He touched upon the work being carried out regarding the inspection of moisture meters, the prevention of grain loss, the licensing and working conditions of combine harvester operators, crop rotation, agricultural frost, and crop prices.
Nihat Özdemir, a member of the 4th Professional Committee, assessed the agenda of the fresh fruit and vegetable sector, addressing initiatives to establish a district wholesale market, the enhancement of inspections in produce trade, and the security infrastructure of existing market areas.