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Congress on Organic Agriculture (İstanbul 19-20 October 2007)
 Technically obsolete, economically unproductive, encouraging all sorts of pre-modern social behavior and relationship, and feeding political nepotism the Turkish agriculture remains a substantial impediment in front of Turkey’s modernization. Systematically evoked, never implemented the transformation of Turkish agriculture becomes an inescapable priority in view of the European Union (EU) candidacy of the country and its integration with the world economy.
Within these parallel and complementary processes one of the main issues of concern will undoubtedly be the agriculture. There is a big gap between Turkey’s and EU and other developed countries’ agricultural data and reality. Harmonizing national legislation with EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and complying with WTO’s requirements on free trade on agricultural products will require many changes and sacrifices from Turkey.
In OECD’s Turkey Report published in October 2004, there is an interesting paragraph implying the importance of the rural development and organic agriculture: “Even though more than 30 per cent of the labour force is employed in agriculture, this sector contributes only 12 per cent to Turkey’s GDP, indicating very low productivity. Many farmers, among whom illiteracy is high, limiting access to modern agricultural know-how and technology, still rely on traditional production methods. Turkey has very favourable natural conditions to expand its output of labour-intensive, high value-added agricultural produce, such as fruit and vegetables, and could increase its exports of these products, particularly if there is greater opening of foreign markets. However, in order to realise this potential, an upgrade of the training and advisory services in agriculture is crucial to support farmers in the new, more market-oriented environment with advice on appropriate cropping patterns, new farming technologies, and the improvement of marketing practices. Non-farm rural activities also deserve to be promoted as alternative employment and income sources.”
Indeed, the situation is not as bad as told, since Turkey has a considerable potential for various agricultural activities, in particular organic agriculture and rural development. The organic agriculture is a rewarding type of agricultural activity and life style for all parties concerned. Those who suggest the abolition of small farms and the heavy mechanization of production for the sake of productivity, rarely take into account the prospects for the unskilled labor, which is measured by millions who will be pushed out of the production cycle because of the suggested reforms. This additional unskilled labor will be hard to employ as industrial workers, as there is no such industry nor there is a demand for unskilled labor. Therefore the only remaining option for this workforce seems to immigrate to cities. Already taking place on a limited but ever growing scale this scenario could become a nightmare scenario if adequate responses are not developed.
One of the viable solutions to this bleak scenario is organic agriculture and rural development. Organic agriculture, a labor-intensive way of cultivating the land, has a surplus value immeasurably higher than other types of agriculture. Additionally, the demand for this diet and consumption style is exceptionally high within EU and other developed countries’ markets. Wealthy EU citizens don’t want to eat tasteless tomatoes nor put scentless flowers in their homes. If Turkey utilizes its potential intelligently, it can become EU’s major organic food supplier. The expansion of organic agriculture would also be a priceless solution to Turkey’s growing environmental problems and promote citizens to consume high quality agricultural products.
The main objective of the congress is to raise awareness on the potential of Turkish organic agricultural assets within the framework of EU harmonization works.
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 Everyone present felt that improving soil fertility for organic production of citrus crops is essential in organic systems. There was some discussion as to whether to use manure, fresh or composted and also how best to produce compost. At the beginning of the meeting only 70% of the delegates saw a place for compost whereas by the end all saw the benefits of compost production and were better trained as to how to make it correctly. Much time was spent in discussing the production of compost, mixing techniques, monitoring of fermentation and appropriate machinery necessary for effective production. (Completed compost heap at citrus orchard site in Picture)
After the meeting all delegates present felt that effective disease control in organic citrus production is possible, and an increased number of people realised that approved products for organic pest and disease control are now also locally available.
 The majority present improved their knowledge of pest control in citrus using organic techniques after attending the training day. They now believe it is possible to effectively control pests in an organic citrus system. However over 85% of the delegates felt happy with organic disease control techniques but only around 60% felt confident with pest control strategies. Some need further help to make these techniques easier to use. There are still a few pest problems where farmers need more help to access results of new research. This support in the future may be delivered with the help of Mr Cay, there is also an agronomist working and a Dutch specialist arriving at the end of May who may help further.
The majority of people also reported that they now see the market for organic citrus in a more positive light and realise that the market is growing rapidly. A company is building a new dedicated organic processing line for organic citrus and other produce. There is also another company planning to install a dedicated organic juicing plant in the area.
The group of producers at the Farmer field School decided that they continue to meet together following our input and plan to form a co-operative with help from MARA to be called the Cukurova Organic Producers Association.
Generally they felt that ongoing technical support is available and accessible, but some delegates did not realise the degree of this support before the meeting. MARA staff have offered to help with monitoring of pest and disease levels in orchards and to give guidance to organic growers in season.
The majority felt they understood the certification record keeping system but some still need ongoing help with this.
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