The Agricultural Council, convened under the coordination of Denizli Metropolitan Municipality, brought together the key stakeholders of the sector under one roof. The founding stakeholders represented at the meeting included the Denizli Commodity Exchange, Denizli Chamber of Agriculture, Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons, KÖY-KOOP, Cattle Breeders’ Association and Beekeepers’ Association. Metropolitan Municipality administrators, heads of relevant departments and municipal staff also attended the meeting.

“Our position is clear: we stand with our producers”

Speaking at the first meeting of the Agricultural Council, which marks the beginning of a new era for agriculture in Denizli, Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu emphasised that support for agriculture and livestock farming would continue to grow steadily. Noting that only a small number of producers initially believed in their efforts, Mayor Çavuşoğlu said that they now reach thousands of producers and stated, “With the initiatives we have implemented, we may not be solving all our producers’ problems on our own, but we are providing meaningful support that clearly demonstrates to everyone that we stand by our producers.”

“We are building not only production, but also a happy life in rural areas”

Mayor Çavuşoğlu stated that support for agriculture and livestock farming should not be limited to fuel, fertiliser or feed assistance, but should also directly address the social lives and quality of life of people living in rural areas. He emphasised that rural development requires a comprehensive vision. Referring to steps taken to improve quality of life in villages, Mayor Çavuşoğlu said, “If our producers are not happy with their spouses and children, they cannot find the motivation to produce. That is why we want them to be happy while living there as well. For example, we organise cinema days in our villages. We set up cinemas even in villages with just 50 residents. We pick up women living in rural areas from their homes and take them to different districts so that they can participate in social life. In other words, we need to look at the issue from a broader perspective and create an environment where these people can also be happy and dream about the future while living there.”

“Our goal is a stronger Denizli, strengthened by its producers and production”

Stating that the Agricultural Council is not merely a platform for discussing immediate problems, but rather a strategic centre for developing long-term and lasting solutions, Mayor Çavuşoğlu said, “We established this council to add value to Denizli’s fertile lands, to honour the hard work of our producers and to carry the city’s agriculture into the future through common sense. We are at the same table for Denizli’s soil and the future of our producers. Through the Agricultural Council we have established today, we have brought public institutions, professional chambers and producer associations together on a common platform. We will identify problems in the field together, bring scientific knowledge together with the experience of our producers, and jointly shape the future of Denizli’s agriculture. Because agriculture is not merely about production; it is Denizli’s future. Our goal is stronger production, stronger producers and a stronger Denizli.”

Roadmap established for the Agricultural Council

The meeting continued under the moderation of Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Secretary General Bülent Bozbaş. Head of the Department of Rural Services Yücel Arazsu delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Agricultural Council’s establishment objectives, targets and working principles. Following the presentation, the roadmap for enabling producers to benefit more effectively from grants and incentives was discussed. It was emphasised that the Agricultural Council is not merely an advisory body, but also a structure designed to develop solutions in the field. Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu was elected as Chair of the Council, while Denizli Central Chamber of Agriculture President Hamdi Gemici and Denizli Chamber of Agricultural Engineers President Baha Yanarca were elected as Deputy Chairs.

Continuous communication from “field to policy”

The Agricultural Council will play an active role in analysing agricultural challenges and developing solutions, organising training, consultancy and awareness programmes for producers and livestock breeders, promoting local products and supporting their access to markets, expanding and developing agricultural and livestock activities across the city, and determining the steps required to achieve these goals. With the decisions taken, the roadmap for Denizli agriculture has become clearer, while the Agricultural Council is expected to make a significant contribution to strengthening producers and increasing efficiency from field to table through concrete measures in the coming period. The meeting concluded with the views and recommendations of representatives from participating institutions.