THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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Press release…
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Türkiye has launched a new e-commerce platform called “HepYerinden” (Always the Local) with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
This launch took place during an event held in Bursa province, where the focus was on the power of women-led cooperatives and their contribution to sustainable agriculture. The “HepYerinden” platform aims to serve as a digital meeting point for cooperatives, particularly those led by women, enabling them to stand on their own feet and build a resilient agricultural community. The project is part of the larger “Strong Livelihood, Resilient Society” project, financed by the European Union.
Various speeches were given during the event, highlighting the importance of HepYerinden and women-led cooperatives. Dr. Ayşegül Selışık, FAO Deputy Representative in Türkiye, emphasised that HepYerinden will greatly contribute to these cooperatives by providing them with a top identity and meeting point. Ahmet Volkan Güngören, from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Metehan Özcan from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security also spoke, acknowledging the significance of the project.
Video messages from international guests, including Ariel Guarco, the President of International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and Sung Hee Lee, the President of International Co-operative Agricultural Organisation (ICAO), were presented during the event
In addition, famous actor Engin Altan Düzyatan also expressed his support for FAO’s vision of a sustainable food ecosystem through HepYerinden, highlighting the economic and social importance of women-focused cooperatives. Cennet Polat, the HepYerinden Coordinator and President of the Mutlu Besin Agricultural Development Cooperative, emphasized how the platform can offer new opportunities to women-led cooperatives across Turkey. Polat also praised FAO’s role in guiding cooperatives on their sustainable development journey and noted the critical role of HepYerinden in helping these cooperatives reach a wider audience in line with FAO’s vision.
The event included panel discussions and visits to stands showcasing various cooperatives. A panel titled “Power from the Soil: Portraits of Women Producers” shed light on the experiences and perspectives of women in the agricultural sector. FAO officials highlighted their commitment to continue supporting cooperatives through the HepYerinden platform, aiming to touch the lives of more and more women every day. This launch marks a significant step towards empowering women-led cooperatives and promoting sustainable agriculture in Türkiye.
