THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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Press release…
Portuguese agricultural delegation in Akhisar district of Manisa…
The Akhisar Commodity Exchange hosted a delegation from APPITAD, a farmers’ union operating in the Mirandela region in northern Portugal. During the technical visit, similar problems and experiences encountered in olive farming and the olive oil sector were discussed.
Aiming to share knowledge and experience between Türkiye and Portugal, the visit focused on topics such as productivity in olive farming, cost pressures, the increasing average age of farmers, production models compatible with climate change and environmental sustainability.
Similar problems in the Mediterranean basin…
APPITAD President Francisco Ataíde Pavão stated that high harvesting costs, production difficulties on sloping and terraced land, moving away of young people from agriculture, water scarcity and the effects of climate change on olive growing are as decisive in the entire Mediterranean basin as they are in Portugal. He emphasised that early harvesting of olive oil is becoming increasingly common due to seasonal changes, and that quality-focused production has become a strategic choice.
The ‘Golden Water’ mistaken for waste…
During the meeting, Portuguese practices regarding the use of olive water, a by-product obtained during the processing of olives into oil, for fertilisation and irrigation in agricultural production were also shared. Pavão stated that water, which was considered waste in the past, is now applied to agricultural land in a controlled manner at up to 8 tonnes per decare, reducing the environmental burden and providing agricultural benefits. APPITAD members also stated that there were significant differences between their impressions before coming to Türkiye and what they saw in the field. Expressing their admiration for the modern facilities, large-scale agriculture-based industrial enterprises and technological infrastructure, the delegation underlined that they were open to developing joint projects between Türkiye and Portugal to solve common problems.
Not competitors, but partners…
Alper Alhat, Chairperson of the Akhisar Commodity Exchange, explained that the effects of the climate crisis and cost pressures on agricultural production are becoming more visible every day, emphasising that managing our resources has become more important than ever. Pointing out that olive oil consumption is rising globally, he highlighted that Türkiye and Portugal should be seen as partners working together in this process, not as competitors.
Focus on young farmers…
During the visit, which was also attended by Murat Özaltaş and Mehmet Ulaş from the Bornova Olive Research Institute, views were exchanged on projects to combat drought, reducing informality and bringing young farmers into the sector.
“Support mechanisms for young people entering farming for the first time should be strengthened and that neglected olive groves and degraded forest lands could be converted to olive cultivation, thereby generating both economic and social benefits,” Alhat added…
