FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE / AQUACULTURE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR TECHNOLOGY TO LOCAL FARMERS AND PRODUCERS

Atatürk University | SDG 2 – Zero Hunger | Indicator 2.5.1 | Reporting Year: 2025

1. Institutional Commitment to Supporting Local Farmers and Food Producers

Atatürk University actively contributes to regional food security and sustainable agricultural development by transferring scientific knowledge, practical skills, innovative technologies and research outcomes to local farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers and food producers.

Located in Erzurum, one of Eastern Anatolia’s major agricultural and livestock production regions, the University plays an important role in connecting academic research with the practical needs of rural communities.

Through its Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Fisheries, agricultural research centres, farmer training facilities and regional partnerships, Atatürk University supports the development of more productive, environmentally responsible and economically resilient agricultural systems.

The University’s approach combines:

• Farmer education and extension services to strengthen agricultural knowledge and professional skills.
• Practical training and demonstrations that enable producers to apply modern agricultural techniques.
• Sustainable agricultural technologies, including biological fertilisers, soil improvement and resource-efficient production.
• Livestock and animal health expertise to support regional animal production.
• Food safety and quality training for local producers.
• Aquaculture research and technology development supporting sustainable aquatic food production.
• University–industry cooperation to connect producers with research, innovation and commercial opportunities.

During 2025, the University strengthened these activities through its strategic agricultural development framework, local beekeeping education, sustainable agricultural research and continued collaboration with regional institutions.

These efforts contribute directly to SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, particularly the transfer of knowledge, skills and technology to local food producers.

2. Strategic Institutional Framework for Farmer Education

Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement

Atatürk University’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan identifies the development of agricultural entrepreneurship as a specific institutional objective.

Under Objective 4: Improving the Quality of Community Engagement Activities, Strategic Target 4.1 focuses on developing agricultural entrepreneurship and strengthening the University’s contribution to regional agricultural production.

The strategic plan establishes measurable performance indicators for farmer training, agricultural research and support for agricultural entrepreneurs.

Agricultural Development Targets

These are the University’s 2025 strategic performance targets, demonstrating its formal commitment to expanding agricultural education, research and producer support.

The strategic plan also establishes longer-term targets extending to 2028, including training 800 farmers.

Strategic Priorities

The University’s agricultural development strategy includes:

• Seed production and registration.
• Development of meat and dairy cooperative models.
• Agricultural product branding and marketing.
• Cooperation among public institutions, universities, civil society organisations and producers.
• Modernisation of family agricultural enterprises.
• Agriculture 4.0 and digital farming technologies.
• Strengthening the transfer of scientific research to agricultural producers.

The plan identifies the Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and agricultural application and research centres as key participating units.

This strategic framework establishes farmer education and technology transfer as measurable institutional responsibilities.

Official evidence:

Atatürk University Strategic Plan 2024–2028 – Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Farmer Training Targets

3. Farmer Training and Agricultural Extension Programmes

Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences Training Centre

Atatürk University’s Faculty of Agriculture (Ziraat Fakültesi) plays a central role in transferring agricultural knowledge and practical skills to local farmers.

The University’s Agricultural Sciences Training Centre provides an educational environment in which farmers can interact directly with academic specialists, receive technical instruction and develop skills relevant to regional production conditions.

The University has established a structured model of farmer education through cooperation with the Eastern Anatolia Project Regional Development Administration (DAP) and regional agricultural authorities.

Regional Farmer Training Programme

A notable example of this institutional approach is the University’s Regional Farmer Training Programme, which brought 25 farmers from villages in the Aşkale district to the University’s agricultural training facilities.

The programme provided direct instruction in modern agricultural techniques and created opportunities for participants to learn in an academic environment.

This established training model forms part of the University’s wider agricultural extension infrastructure.

Practical Training Areas

Farmer education and extension activities address topics such as:

• Sustainable crop production.
• Soil fertility and soil improvement.
• Organic fertilisers and composting.
• Efficient use of agricultural water resources.
• Livestock housing and management.
• Animal nutrition and feed crops.
• Animal diseases and preventive practices.
• Agricultural support mechanisms.
• Sustainable production and environmental management.

By combining academic expertise with practical agricultural needs, the University helps producers strengthen their technical capabilities and make informed production decisions.

Official evidence:

Atatürk University – Faculty of Agriculture

Regional Farmer Training Programme

4. Crop Production Application and Research Centre

Connecting Agricultural Research with Farmers

The Crop Production Application and Research Centre (Bitkisel Üretim Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi) serves as an important institutional bridge between scientific research and agricultural practice.

The Centre supports the dissemination of agricultural innovations, technical knowledge and research findings to local farmers, agricultural professionals and rural communities.

Its educational activities are implemented in cooperation with regional development and agricultural institutions.

Agricultural Education and Extension Activities

The Centre has developed training activities addressing the practical needs of crop and livestock producers.

These include:

• Compost production and agricultural applications.
• Soil improvement techniques.
• Efficient water use.
• Sustainable crop management.
• Livestock nutrition and management.
• Agricultural damage assessment.
• Agricultural grants and support programmes.
• Environmental sustainability in agricultural production.

Knowledge Transfer Through Practical Demonstrations

The Centre’s training approach incorporates practical instruction and direct interaction with agricultural specialists.

Farmers and technical personnel gain opportunities to understand agricultural methods and examine how scientific knowledge can be applied in production settings.

The Centre’s established extension activities also include training for agricultural professionals and village representatives, enabling knowledge to reach a broader network of rural communities.

Supporting Regional Agricultural Resilience

Through these activities, the Centre contributes to:

• Improved agricultural knowledge.
• Greater awareness of sustainable production.
• More efficient use of natural resources.
• Better soil management.
• Stronger communication between farmers and researchers.
• Increased capacity to adopt agricultural innovations.

Official evidence:

Crop Production Application and Research Centre

Farmer Training Activities – Environmental Problems Research Centre

5. Sustainable Beekeeping and Food Safety Training for Local Producers in 2025

Honey, Bees, and Quality: Food Safety Starts Locally

A significant example of Atatürk University’s direct engagement with local food producers in 2025 was the project:

“Honey, Bees, and Quality: Food Safety Starts Locally”

The project was supported by Atatürk University under its Social Awareness Projects programme.

Project period: 1 September – 22 December 2025
Project leader: Mehmet Bektaş
Target area: Hınıs district and surrounding villages, Erzurum
Primary beneficiaries: Local beekeepers and honey producers

Project Objectives

The initiative aimed to strengthen sustainable beekeeping and improve the quality and safety of locally produced honey.

It combined scientific knowledge with practical training and community engagement.

The project addressed:

• Modern beekeeping techniques.
• Honey quality and food safety standards.
• Physical, chemical and biological properties of honey.
• Sustainable beekeeping practices.
• Bee health and colony management.
• Biodiversity conservation.
• Ecological balance.
• Geographical indication registration and product value enhancement.
• Socioeconomic benefits of improved local production.

Practical Skills Transfer

The project included practical training activities designed to help local beekeepers improve their production methods.

By introducing contemporary techniques and explaining quality standards, the University supported producers in strengthening their technical skills and understanding the relationship between production practices and food quality.

Supporting Sustainable Rural Livelihoods

Beekeeping is an important component of rural livelihoods and agricultural biodiversity.

Through its educational activities, the project contributed to:

• Improved awareness of honey quality.
• Stronger local food safety practices.
• More sustainable beekeeping methods.
• Protection of pollinators and biodiversity.
• Increased awareness of product quality and market value.
• Capacity development among local producers.

The project also incorporated socioeconomic impact analysis, connecting agricultural education with regional development objectives.

This initiative provides a concrete example of the University’s 2025 knowledge and skills transfer directly to local food producers.

Official evidence:

Honey, Bees, and Quality: Food Safety Starts Locally – 2025 Project Record

6. Sustainable Agricultural Technology Development in 2025

Microbial Fertilisers for Sustainable Agricultural Systems

Atatürk University supports the development of environmentally responsible agricultural technologies through research on biological fertilisers and soil improvement.

On 11 April 2025, the University initiated the research project:

“Development of Indigenous Microbial Fertilisers Containing Bacterial Formulations for Soil Improvement and Plant Growth Promotion in Sustainable Agricultural Systems.”

Project leader: Fatih Dadaşoğlu
Project start date: 11 April 2025
Planned duration: 24 months
Project code: FBA-2025-15048

Research Focus

The project investigates microbial fertiliser formulations designed to improve soil conditions and promote plant development.

Its research focus includes:

• Beneficial soil microorganisms.
• Biological fertiliser formulations.
• Soil improvement.
• Plant growth promotion.
• Sustainable agricultural inputs.
• Environmentally responsible crop production.

Relevance to Local Farmers

Microbial fertiliser technologies have the potential to support agricultural producers by improving soil management and expanding the range of sustainable production inputs.

The University’s research contributes scientific knowledge that can inform future agricultural extension activities and technology transfer to local producers.

Contribution to SDG 2

The project is explicitly associated with SDG 2 – Zero Hunger in the University’s academic research records.

It strengthens the technological foundation for sustainable agriculture and supports the University’s wider commitment to connecting research with regional agricultural development.

Official evidence:

Microbial Fertilisers for Sustainable Agricultural Systems – 2025

7. Sustainable Crop Production and Soil Management

Biological Fertiliser Research

Atatürk University also initiated research examining the role of biological fertilisers in sustainable crop production.

The project “The Role of Biological Fertiliser Use in Forage Pea Production and Soil Quality in Sustainable Agriculture” began on 26 September 2025.

Project leader: Emre Çomaklı
Project period: 26 September 2025 – 21 September 2026

The project investigates biological fertiliser applications in relation to forage pea production and soil quality.

Supporting Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Research of this nature contributes to the development of agricultural knowledge concerning:

• Soil fertility.
• Biological fertiliser use.
• Sustainable forage production.
• Crop performance.
• Soil quality.
• Environmentally responsible farming methods.

Forage crops are particularly relevant to Eastern Anatolia, where livestock production represents an important part of the regional agricultural economy.

The University’s research strengthens the scientific foundation for more sustainable crop and livestock production systems.

Official evidence:

Biological Fertiliser Use in Sustainable Agriculture – Project Record

8. Demonstration Fields and Sustainable Cultivation Technologies

Cooperation with Agrokur Organik & Aromatik Bitkiler A.Ş.

Atatürk University supports practical agricultural innovation through cooperation with agricultural enterprises.

An important example is its cooperation with Agrokur Organik & Aromatik Bitkiler A.Ş. concerning the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants.

The cooperation provides for the cultivation of these plants on 25 decares of university land using sustainable and organic production approaches.

Demonstration and Applied Learning

The cultivation area serves as a practical environment for examining sustainable production methods.

Such demonstration activities support the connection between academic knowledge and agricultural production.

They also provide opportunities for producers to observe cultivation techniques and consider their potential application under local conditions.

Sustainable Cultivation Priorities

The initiative supports knowledge development in:

• Medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation.
• Organic production techniques.
• Sustainable soil management.
• Crop diversification.
• Environmentally responsible production.
• Agricultural entrepreneurship.

By cooperating with agricultural enterprises, the University strengthens the practical application of research and supports regional agricultural innovation.

Supporting evidence:

Atatürk University – Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Plant Production Cooperation

9. Livestock Production, Animal Health and Producer Support

Veterinary and Livestock Expertise

Livestock production is an important component of the agricultural economy in Erzurum and Eastern Anatolia.

Atatürk University contributes to regional livestock development through its Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and related research centres.

The University’s expertise covers areas relevant to livestock producers, including:

• Animal health.
• Disease prevention.
• Livestock housing.
• Animal nutrition.
• Feed crop production.
• Herd management.
• Veterinary diagnostics.
• Sustainable animal production.

Farmer Training in Livestock Management

The University’s established agricultural training programmes include instruction concerning:

• Cattle housing and shelter conditions.
• Animal feeding.
• The importance of forage crops.
• Common livestock diseases.
• Veterinary health practices.

Training activities have also incorporated educational visits to the University’s Animal Hospital, connecting theoretical instruction with applied veterinary knowledge.

Supporting Regional Food Security

By strengthening livestock-related knowledge and practical skills, the University supports producers in improving animal welfare, managing production risks and maintaining sustainable livestock systems.

These activities contribute to the resilience of regional meat and dairy production.

Official evidence:

Crop Production Application and Research Centre – Farmer Training Activities

Atatürk University – Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

10. Dairy Production, Cold Chain Technologies and Food Value Chains

Cooperation with Erzurum Commodity Exchange

Atatürk University supports agricultural technology transfer through cooperation with regional industry organisations.

The Erzurum Commodity Exchange Agricultural and Livestock Development Company established a research and development office at ATA Teknokent.

The initiative focuses on technologies and solutions relevant to regional milk production and dairy supply chains.

Research and Technology Transfer Areas

The cooperation addresses important elements of dairy production, including:

• Milk collection.
• Cold chain management.
• Storage conditions.
• Dairy processing.
• Product quality.
• Food safety.
• Reduction of spoilage.
• Producer support.

Strengthening Regional Dairy Production

Effective cold chain management is important for maintaining dairy product quality and reducing food losses.

By connecting agricultural enterprises with research and development infrastructure, the University supports innovation that can benefit regional dairy producers.

This cooperation contributes to stronger agricultural value chains and improved access to technical knowledge.

Official evidence:

ATA Teknokent – Erzurum Commodity Exchange Agricultural and Livestock Development R&D Office

11. Sustainable Aquaculture Research and Technology

Faculty of Fisheries

Atatürk University’s Faculty of Fisheries contributes to the development of scientific knowledge and technologies relevant to sustainable aquaculture.

Aquaculture plays an important role in food security by supporting aquatic food production and diversification of protein sources.

Aquaculture Research in 2025

The University’s academic research records include projects initiated in 2025 addressing sustainable aquaculture production.

Research areas include:

• Rainbow trout biology and production.
• Fish genetics and molecular technologies.
• Environmental stress responses.
• Fish health.
• Sustainable aquaculture systems.
• Advanced research methods for aquatic species.

Examples include research examining gene characterisation and molecular techniques in rainbow trout with the aim of contributing to sustainable aquaculture production.

Technology Development and Knowledge Dissemination

The University’s aquaculture research strengthens the scientific knowledge base relevant to aquatic food producers.

By developing expertise in fish biology, health and production systems, the University contributes to technological progress in the aquaculture sector.

These activities complement its agricultural and livestock research and support a broader approach to sustainable food production.

Official evidence:

Atatürk University – Aquaculture and Sustainable Production Research Projects

12. Regional Partnerships for Agricultural Development

Eastern Anatolia Project Regional Development Administration

The University cooperates with the Eastern Anatolia Project Regional Development Administration (DAP) in agricultural education and regional development.

This partnership supports the delivery of farmer training programmes and the dissemination of technical knowledge.

Erzurum Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry

Cooperation with the provincial agricultural authorities strengthens connections between academic experts, technical personnel and local producers.

Joint training activities have addressed agricultural production, environmental management, livestock practices and sustainable resource use.

Erzurum Governorship

The University’s regional cooperation framework also includes a protocol with the Erzurum Governorship, signed in December 2024.

The protocol covers cooperation in agriculture, environmental management, technology and rural development.

It provides an institutional foundation for collaborative regional initiatives.

Agricultural Enterprises and Industry Organisations

The University also cooperates with agricultural businesses, producer-related organisations and research-oriented enterprises.

Examples include:

• Agrokur Organik & Aromatik Bitkiler A.Ş.
• Erzurum Commodity Exchange.
• ATA Teknokent.
• Agricultural and livestock development organisations.

These partnerships help connect scientific research with regional production needs.

Supporting evidence:

Atatürk University – Cooperation Protocol with Erzurum Governorship

Atatürk University – Crop Production Research Centre

13. Agricultural Knowledge Transfer and Community Impact

Atatürk University’s approach to supporting local farmers extends beyond classroom education.

The University combines academic research, practical training, demonstration activities and institutional partnerships to strengthen the capacity of agricultural producers.

Knowledge Transfer

Farmers and producers gain access to scientific information concerning sustainable production, food safety and agricultural technologies.

Skills Development

Practical training supports the application of modern techniques in crop production, livestock management and beekeeping.

Technology Development

Research on microbial fertilisers, soil improvement and sustainable aquaculture contributes to the development of innovative agricultural solutions.

Regional Collaboration

Cooperation with public institutions, industry organisations and agricultural enterprises strengthens the connection between research and production.

Environmental Sustainability

Education and research promote responsible soil management, biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource use and environmentally conscious agricultural practices.

Economic Resilience

Knowledge of product quality, agricultural technologies and value chain management can help producers improve competitiveness and strengthen rural livelihoods.

These contributions support the University’s wider role as a regional knowledge and innovation partner.

14. Summary of Institutional Activities and 2025 Evidence

15. Contribution to SDG 2 – Zero Hunger

Atatürk University’s agricultural education and technology transfer activities contribute to SDG 2 through several interconnected mechanisms.

Improving Agricultural Knowledge: Farmer training programmes provide access to modern production techniques and scientific expertise.

Strengthening Practical Skills: Applied education and demonstration activities support the adoption of sustainable farming methods.

Supporting Local Producers: Beekeeping and food safety initiatives help regional producers improve production practices and product quality.

Promoting Agricultural Innovation: Research on microbial fertilisers and biological agricultural inputs advances sustainable production technologies.

Strengthening Livestock and Dairy Systems: Veterinary expertise and dairy technology cooperation support regional animal production and food value chains.

Supporting Sustainable Aquaculture: Research in fish biology and production contributes to innovation in aquatic food systems.

Encouraging Regional Partnerships: Cooperation with public institutions and agricultural enterprises strengthens knowledge dissemination and rural development.

Building Long-Term Capacity: The University’s strategic plan establishes measurable targets for farmer education and agricultural entrepreneurship.

Together, these activities contribute to more sustainable, productive and resilient regional food systems.

Conclusion

Atatürk University plays an important role in supporting food security, sustainable agriculture and agricultural technology transfer in Eastern Anatolia.

Through its Faculty of Agriculture, agricultural research centres, farmer training facilities, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Fisheries and regional partnerships, the University provides scientific knowledge and practical expertise relevant to local farmers and food producers.

In 2025, the University strengthened its contribution through the “Honey, Bees, and Quality: Food Safety Starts Locally” project, which provided practical knowledge concerning sustainable beekeeping, food safety and honey quality to local producers.

The University also initiated research on microbial fertilisers and sustainable soil improvement, contributing to the development of environmentally responsible agricultural technologies.

Its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan establishes measurable agricultural development objectives, including a 2025 target of training 470 farmers, supporting agricultural entrepreneurs and expanding research activities.

These initiatives are complemented by agricultural demonstration fields, livestock education, dairy technology cooperation and sustainable aquaculture research.

Through the integration of education, applied research, practical training, technology development and regional cooperation, Atatürk University strengthens the capacity of local farmers and producers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.

These activities contribute to SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, Indicator 2.5.1: Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture / Aquaculture Knowledge, Skills or Technology Transfer to Local Farmers and Producers.