Fourth Agricultural Forestry Council Focuses on Future Innovation and Sustainability

The Fourth Agricultural Forestry Council convened recently, building upon previous sessions held in 1997, 2004, and 2019. This year’s theme, “Turkey Century: Century of Turkey,” brought together a diverse array of participants, including Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı.

A Vision for the Future

The Council’s vision is anchored in vital concepts such as scientific-basis, participatory cooperation, sustainability, innovation, and a forward-looking perspective. Launched in September 2024, the Council recorded an impressive 1,597 participants, which included:

• 288 academics from 87 different universities
• 234 representatives from various non-governmental organizations
• 417 members from chambers, unions, and cooperatives
• 205 from the private sector
• 687 expert public personnel

In preparation for the event, 148 online meetings were conducted, alongside weekly gatherings that attracted over 700 individuals.

Comprehensive Reports from Working Groups

The Shura’s discussions were segmented into two primary groups, consulting extensively with stakeholders from across the agricultural, food, forestry, and water sectors. Participants included governmental institutions, farmers, producer associations, NGOs, academics, and private sector leaders. Working groups assembled under 16 themes, resulting in 151 online meetings and two physical sessions.

For the first time, four thematic side activities accompanied the main discussions, covering:

• Sustainable Rural Life
• Forest Management in the Context of Climate Change
• Agricultural Economics
• Agricultural Diplomacy

Collectively, the workshops saw participation from 3,450 attendees, with outputs shared among working groups. Commission reports created from these findings were subsequently reviewed and voted on by Council members.

Ambitious Goals for Agricultural Sustainability

The Fourth Agricultural Forestry Council aims to foster scientific-based innovation and future-oriented agricultural practices. Key objectives include:

• Planning agricultural production dynamically to enhance food security and safety, while minimizing waste.
• Promoting sustainable rural development and raising awareness among farmers.
• Ensuring effective management of forestry, agricultural irrigation, and water resources.

Furthermore, the Council seeks to emphasize the protection and sustainable use of soil, water resources, and biodiversity, all while addressing climate change challenges. An essential goal is to boost Turkey’s competitiveness in global agricultural markets.

Working Group Areas of Focus

The Council established working groups across 16 key areas and organized workshops on five specific themes, including:

• Herbal Production
• Agricultural Support and Policies
• Natural Life Cycles and Biodiversity
• Integrated and Sustainable Forestry Management
• Food Security and Waste Reduction

These comprehensive discussions and initiatives underscore Turkey’s commitment to advancing its agricultural practices and ensuring a sustainable future for its agricultural sector.

The Council’s processes will culminate on May 14, with a final declaration to be announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, outlining the strategies and targets identified throughout the discussions.

In summary, the Fourth Agricultural Forestry Council presents a vital opportunity for Turkey to align its agricultural practices with modern sustainability goals while addressing global challenges.

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