THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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In the event on Better Cotton Production and climate resilient agriculture, the sustainability of cotton production in Türkiye and the increase in global demand were discussed.
Association of Ecological Agriculture Organisation (ETO) Association and Better Cotton Practices Association (IPUD) organised the ‘Climate Resilient Good Cotton Production and Value Chain Meeting’. In the event held at the Aegean Exporters’ Association, academicians, sector representatives and agricultural professionals came together and shared important views on the future of sustainable cotton production. ETO Chairwoman Professor Dr. Uygun Aksoy and Izmir Deputy Provincial Director of Agriculture Dr. Fatih Kılıç gave comprehensive information to the participants on climate-resilient cotton production. The event also included a panel discussion moderated by Bertan Balçık, Chair of National Cotton Council (UPK).
Climate change and the future of agriculture…
Dr. Aksoy highlighted the share of the agriculture sector in greenhouse gas emissions and said, “Agriculture has a share of 19-30 percent in greenhouse gas emissions. With the global temperature increase, we need to rapidly switch to climate-resilient agricultural practices. Therefore, I would like to emphasise the importance of joint solutions to prevent the effects of climate change on agriculture.”
Demand for Better Cotton is growing…
The rise of Better Cotton production in Türkiye is in great demand in international markets. IPUD and ETO Board Member Tolga Uskuç stated that production in accordance with the Better Cotton standard has gained great momentum in the last 11 years, reaching 100 thousand tonnes. Indicating that the demand for Turkish cotton is surging every year, Uskuç noted, “We need to double our Better Cotton production as soon as possible.”
Advantages of certified cotton producers…
Pointing out that every cotton producer who produces under Good Agricultural Practices will have BC certificate and the demand for Turkish cotton will boost even more, Uskuç added,”This process offers great opportunities for both producers and Turkish agriculture.”
Water stress and strategic planning in agriculture…
Dr. Fatih Kılıç, Deputy Provincial Director of Agriculture, explained that water resources are decreasing rapidly and underlined the importance of production of strategic products in agriculture. “Support models to ramp up water efficiency should be developed and sustainable agriculture can be achieved through basin-based production,” Dr. Kılıç added.
Advantages of Better Cotton standard…
Speaking at the panel, IPUD Training and Capacity Building Manager Mehmet Faik Yersel reminded that the Better Cotton Standard does not impose additional cost burden on producers and concluded, “The Better Cotton Standard helps farmers transition to sustainable production and minimises these transition costs.”
