Atatürk University systematically engages with local farmers and food producers by offering education, technical skills transfer, applied research, demonstration technologies, and institutional partnerships aimed at strengthening food security, sustainable agriculture, and value chain resilience in its region.
Farmer Training and Extension Programs
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Through the Ziraat Fakültesi / Tarım Bilimleri Eğitim Merkezi in collaboration with the DAP (Doğu Anadolu Projesi) Regional Development Agency, the university has organized a “Regional Farmers Training Program”. In late 2024, 25 farmers from villages in Aşkale district participated. These participants stay and study on campus and receive direct instruction in modern agronomic techniques. (Atatürk University – Farmer Education Program)
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The Bitkisel Üretim Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi (Crop Production Application & Research Center) functions as a bridge between research and farmers. In 2024–2025, it delivered training to 160 farmers and 40 village headmen (muhtars) under its extension workshops.
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The center offers courses in organic fertilizer / composting, integrated pest management, water-use efficiency, crop diversification, and sustainable agroecological practices. (Center)
Technology Transfer & Demonstration Plots
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Atatürk University has signed a recent protocol with Agrokur Organik & Aromatik Bitkiler A.Ş. to cultivate medicinal and aromatic plants on 25 decares of university land using organic, sustainable methods. This site serves as a demonstration field for local farmers to observe and adopt sustainable cultivation techniques. (Agrokur Protocol)
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The university also supports a joint project with the Erzurum Commodity Exchange (Borsa) / Tarım ve Hayvancılığı Geliştirme A.Ş., which established an R&D office at ATA Teknokent focusing on milk sector cold chain technologies and dairy producer support (milk collection, storage, processing) to local producers. This helps farmers adopt improved cold-chain practices to reduce spoilage. (R&D Office Opening)
Partnerships & Regional Development Protocols
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In December 2024, Atatürk University and Erzurum Governorship signed a regional cooperation protocol covering joint projects in agriculture, environment, technology, and rural development. This gives the university a formal role in designing and implementing agricultural interventions at regional scale. (Protocol with Governorship)
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Through this protocol, the university contributes its expertise in sustainable agriculture planning, capacity building, and monitoring.
Impact & Vision
By offering structured trainings, extension services, demonstration farms, and technology transfer, Atatürk University enables local farmers to upgrade practices—improving yields, reducing environmental footprint, and increasing food security. The university acts not only as an educator but as a knowledge partner in regional agricultural resilience.
