Turkey Launches B-Prescription System to Track Farm Chemicals

Turkey is preparing to introduce a sweeping new digital control mechanism in agricultural production aimed at reducing pesticide misuse and strengthening food safety. With the rollout of the B-Prescription (B-Reçete) system, authorities will be able to monitor which agricultural chemicals are used, in what quantities, on which land parcels, and in which districts, marking a major shift toward traceable, regulated farming practices.

Led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the initiative is part of a broader effort to curb excessive or improper use of plant protection products, prevent pesticide residues in food, and protect both environmental and human health. By increasing transparency and inspection capacity, the system is designed to ensure that agricultural chemicals are applied at the right dose and at the right time.

Following pilot implementations in Mersin, Samsun, Ankara, and Kırklareli, the B-Prescription system is scheduled to be implemented nationwide starting July 1, covering all 81 provinces.

What Is the B-Prescription System?

The B-Prescription, formally known as the Plant Prescription System, introduces a model similar to that of prescriptions for human medicines. Under this framework, agricultural pesticides and plant protection products can only be purchased with an electronic prescription issued by an authorized agricultural engineer.

This marks a fundamental change in how farm chemicals are accessed and applied. Every stage of the process—production, sale, prescription, and application—will be recorded digitally. Manufacturers, distributors, dealers, engineers, farmers, and provincial directorates will all become stakeholders within the same integrated system.

The core objective is to eliminate uncontrolled chemical use and create a fully traceable chain from field to table, significantly reducing the risk of pesticide residues in agricultural products.

How the System Will Operate

Under the new structure, plant protection product applications, harvest data, and farmer records will be tracked at the product- and parcel-level. To support this, the Ministry has developed an integrated e-Prescription and Producer Record Tracking System.

Existing monitoring and registration mechanisms related to plant protection products will now be consolidated and managed electronically through the B-Prescription Tracking System. Authorized users will access the system using SMS-based verification, ensuring data security and controlled access.

Through this digital infrastructure, authorities will be able to see not only what chemicals are used, but also where, when, and how often they are applied—dramatically improving oversight and accountability in agricultural production.

Who Is Authorized to Issue B-Prescriptions?

Not every pesticide requires a prescription. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will determine, based on risk criteria, which active substances are subject to mandatory prescription control.

For these substances, licensed agricultural engineers with proper authorization will be able to issue electronic prescriptions through the system. When writing a prescription, engineers will consider registered crop data, land parcel information, and production records, ensuring that chemical use aligns with agronomic needs rather than routine or excessive application.

This risk-based approach is intended to balance food safety with practical agricultural needs, avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy while maintaining strict controls in areas with higher health and environmental risks.

Timeline for Nationwide Implementation

The pilot phase of the B-Prescription system began in January in four provinces. Based on the results of these trials, authorities plan to expand the system to all 81 provinces as of July 1.

To ensure a smooth transition, the Ministry has launched nationwide training and information programs. These efforts target provincial and district directorates, plant protection product dealers and wholesalers, authorized prescription writers, and application professionals. The goal is to minimize disruptions while ensuring consistent, correct use of the system nationwide.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The new system also introduces strict sanctions to enforce compliance. Dealers who sell plant protection products without a valid prescription or fail to maintain proper records will face administrative fines under existing legislation.

For authorized professionals, the consequences are more severe. Those who violate prescription rules will first receive a written warning. If the violation is repeated within the same year, their prescription-writing authority will be revoked.

These penalties underscore the government’s determination to make the B-Prescription system not just a formality but a binding, enforceable component of agricultural regulation.