Every seed planted in the soil has a story, and every meal that reaches our table carries the hard work of a farmer. This bond with the land, built through dedication and labour, is shaping our future. May 14, World Farmers’ Day, is not only a day to acknowledge the challenges of working the land and honour the efforts of our farmers, but also an important opportunity to reflect once again on the strategic importance of agriculture for our country.
Access to healthy and safe food is no longer viewed solely as an economic issue, but also as a social and strategic one.
In recent years, the global climate crisis, pandemics, wars, and disruptions in supply chains have placed agriculture and food security among the key priorities of countries worldwide. Access to healthy and safe food is no longer viewed solely as an economic issue, but also as a social and strategic one. For this reason, many countries are once again positioning agriculture as a strategic sector.
Our country must also interpret this transformation correctly. Today, our agricultural sector accounts for approximately 6 percent of our Gross Domestic Product while continuing to provide around 14 percent of total employment. In this respect, agriculture is critically important not only for production, but also for employment, rural development, and economic stability.
6% Approximate share of the agricultural sector in Gross Domestic Product
14% Approximate share of the agricultural sector in total employment
At İzmir Commodity Exchange, we have long prioritized projects that contribute to the transformation of agriculture. The primary objective of our work in digitalization, sustainable production, value-added agriculture, licensed warehousing, and agricultural entrepreneurship is to increase the competitiveness of our producers and prepare today for the agriculture of the future.
To build the agriculture of the future, we need to attract young people to the sector, place technology at the heart of production, and strengthen rural life.
Unfortunately, our farming population is gradually ageing. Without increasing young people's interest in agriculture, placing technology at the heart of production, and strengthening life in rural areas, building the agriculture of the future does not appear possible.
At İzmir Commodity Exchange, we are fully aware of this situation. In line with our mission to safeguard the future of agriculture, we take responsibility and encourage young people to pursue education and develop projects in agriculture, a sector of the future.
For the future of agriculture, it is also critically important to integrate women more strongly into the agricultural ecosystem alongside young people. I believe that increasing women's participation in production, cooperatives, entrepreneurship, and decision-making mechanisms is not merely a matter of equality, but also a critical requirement for the sustainability of agricultural development.
At a time when agriculture is regaining strategic importance worldwide, our country must take its place at the forefront of this transformation. With the right policies, investments in technology, and particularly the integration of younger generations into the sector, agriculture can play a much stronger role in our country's future.
On the occasion of May 14, World Farmers’ Day, I extend my gratitude to all our farmers who sustain production, and I firmly believe that the path to a strong Türkiye lies in strong agriculture.
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