
Enhancing Biodiversity and Sustainable Farming in Turkey: A Case Study
20 Ağu 2024
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Summary of Enhancing Biodiversity and Sustainable Farming in Turkey: A Case Study of JADE FARM & SAKÜDA - Sakarya Küçük Üretici Dayanışma Ağı
Interviewer: Deniz Yoldaç, Chef, Slow Food Cook’s Alliance, İstanbul, Turkey Interviewed with: Berin Ertürk, Farmer & the Founder of Jade Farm, Sakarya, Turkey Interviewed on: 29.07.2023
Interviewed at Maksudiye Village, Sakarya, Turkey
Nominee to be invited to the event as a delegate or as an exhibitor in the market: BERİN ERTÜRK (JADE)
Introduction:
This report delves into the inspiring efforts of JADE FARM and SAKÜDA, a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO) in Turkey, dedicated to promoting biodiversity and sustainable farming practices among small-scale ecological producers. SAKÜDA comprises thirteen (numbers may vary) small businesses committed to environmental sustainability and human health in their production practices. This report explores the significance of biodiversity and sustainable farming techniques through an insightful interview with Berin Ertürk, the owner of Jade Farm.
Summary:
Jade Çiftliği, located in Adapazarı since 2001, practices ecological farming without petroleum-based fertilizers and pesticides. Their farmhouses have approximately 300 heirloom seed varieties, following seasonal cycles for their diverse produce. By prioritizing soil health and teaching other farmers the importance of understanding their crops and land, Berin Ertürk exemplifies sustainable farming practices.
They redefine organic certification, advocating for heartfelt commitment beyond paperwork and financial investment. Preserving biodiversity in the region, focusing on ecological production practices like crop rotation and intercropping, while encouraging seed-saving to maintain traditional plant varieties
From a vegan chef's perspective, biodiversity and agroecology support plant-based diets, reducing carbon and water footprints. SAKÜDA's agroecological approach supports the transition to plant-based protein sources, aligning with a sustainable and compassionate food system. Their responsible distribution points within Istanbul bridge the gap between producers and consumers, emphasizing the importance of heirloom seeds and traditional farming methods.
Challenges of transportation and misconceptions about the profitability of sustainable farming are highlighted, emphasizing the need for education and policy changes to support agroecological practices.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the proposed action plan suggests establishing a local farmer's market near Adapazarı to directly connect producers like Jade Çiftliği with consumers, promoting conscious buying and raising awareness about biodiversity in agriculture. Advance Purchase Agreements can incentivize more producers to join sustainable farmers ensuring a guaranteed market and stability in the short term.
Supporting low-carbon distribution points and advocating for policy changes will further strengthen sustainable agricultural systems. By fostering collaborations between chefs and local producers, this initiative strives to enhance biodiversity, resilience, and ecologically responsible practices in Turkey's agricultural landscape. Through the concerted efforts of JADE FARM, SAKÜDA, and like-minded individuals, we envision a brighter, sustainable future for the Turkish agricultural sector.

Full Report:
Enhancing Biodiversity and Sustainable Farming Techniques in Turkey: A Case Study of JADE FARM & SAKÜDA - Sakarya Küçük Üretici Dayanışma Ağı
Introduction:
This report delves into the inspiring efforts of JADE FARM and SAKÜDA, a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO) in Turkey, dedicated to promoting biodiversity and sustainable farming practices among small-scale ecological producers. SAKÜDA comprises thirteen (numbers may vary) small businesses committed to environmental sustainability and human health in their production practices. This report explores the significance of biodiversity and sustainable farming techniques through an insightful interview with Berin Ertürk, the owner of Jade Farm.
Berin Ertürk:
Berin Ertürk graduated from journalism in 1968 and lived in Istanbul until she decided to move to her current location, Maksukiye Village in Sakarya Province, 150 km away from İstanbul, in 2001. Since then, she has been practicing sustainable farming. She is driven by a desire to live in harmony with the environment and prioritize her connection with the soil and her products. Berin's dedication to soil health has led her to apply sustainable practices on her farm and share her knowledge with other farmers in the region and beyond.
Left to right (Berin Ertürk & Deniz Yoldaç)
Jade Çiftliği:
Located in Adapazarı since 2001, Jade Çiftliği practices ecological farming without the use of petroleum-based fertilizers and agricultural pesticides. With approximately 300 heirloom seed varieties, they follow seasonal cycles to produce their goods. One of their main challenges is ensuring the safe transportation of products without damage during shipping. To address this, they collect orders from direct clients and send them once a week from their warehouse, which contains products from Jade Farm and other producers within SAKÜDA
SAKÜDA COOP.
SAKÜDA's mission is driven by a spirit of collaboration and solidarity among small-scale producers. The organization aims to establish a direct connection between producers and households, eliminating intermediaries, and fostering responsible and sustainable practices in agriculture. There they reach direct buyers, eliminate what they will send and they have a zero-waste philosophy.
For example, they have tomatoes in their fields from 30 different seed variants and they pick those tomatoes with great caution. They eliminate the ones to send to their clients, and the rest of them that are soft or damaged, turn them into sauces, marinades, paste, or jams. It is a great mindset and a very careful process that they apply in many areas. They do compost, every little waste is taken into consideration.
The Small Scale Producers of SAKÜDA
Jade Çiftliği, Berin Ertürk Koray’s Farm, Koray Nurtuğ Eppek, Burak Soykan
Tene, Muharrem Yalçın Acelya Doğal, Açelya Bilgin Derasol, Sevgi Pınazoğlu Kırdakiler,Ahenk Deniz Aydın Eco Niche, Necla Akyazı Kolektif Bahçe, Üzeyir Akın Güneş Bostanı, Cansu Yüksel Geççi, Oğuzhan Çoban
Eko Ambar, Bahar Soykan
Hicran'ın Sirkeleri, Hicran Ünal
Peksimetri, Sezer Dursun
Koray's Farm (Co-Founder Producer):
Koray's Farm is one of the founding producers of SAKÜDA. Operated by Koray Nurtuğ, a gem engineer turned farmer, the farm adopts sustainable practices by avoiding the use of antibiotics and processed animal feed. Instead, they raise poultry and small ruminants and engage in beekeeping. Eppek (Co-Founder Producer):
Eppek, operated by a dedicated couple, focuses on producing sourdough bread. They bridge the gap between urban and rural communities, supporting ancient wheat producers and practicing solidarity with them. Their use of ancient seed varieties and traditional farming methods, along with sourdough fermentation, exemplifies sustainable agriculture.

Redefining Organic Certification:
SAKÜDA emphasizes that organic certification is not the sole indicator of sustainability. While many producers within the network already possess an organic certification, SAKÜDA questions whether this certification alone is sufficient to promote sustainability. The organization believes that true sustainability goes beyond paperwork and financial investment—it requires a heartfelt commitment to the environment and the community.
During the interview, Berin Ertürk expressed how their approach to sustainability resonates with certain farmers while others find the process challenging, especially if motivated solely by financial gains. Education and a change in mindset are essential to promote sustainable agriculture effectively.
Sustainable Distribution Points:
To achieve their goal of direct-to-consumer distribution, SAKÜDA established responsible and ecologically conscious distribution points within Istanbul. Working with individuals who understand the importance of heirloom seeds and traditional farming methods, these points help bridge the gap between producers and consumers. Here are some of the sustainable distribution points in İstanbul, both on the Asian and European Sides.
Kadıköy/Kızıltoprak (Eppek),
Şişli/Nişantaşı (Gaia Yöresel),
and Beşiktaş/Yeni Levent (Ilknur Ozguler Yigit)
Nar Pratik Mutfak (Kozyatağı ) is the distribution point I am taking my products from SAKÜDA to my Vegan Restaurant this distribution point is within 1 mile of my restaurant so I dont have to go and create an additional carbon foodprint to deliver my products.
Importance of Biodiversity:
Focus on ecological production practices encourages crop rotation, intercropping, and the use of diverse native plant varieties, contributing to increased biodiversity on the farms. Encouraging seed-saving practices also helps preserve traditional and rare plant varieties, maintaining biodiversity. Some of the efforts they put in:
● Their focus on ecological production practices encourages crop rotation, intercropping, and the use of diverse native plant varieties, which contributes to increased biodiversity on the farms.
● By encouraging seed-saving practices, the network helps preserve traditional and rare plant varieties, preventing genetic erosion and maintaining biodiversity.
● They use their seeds that they take care of very carefully.
● They also indicate that even if they have to buy seeds to try new variants to see if they can
grow in their land, they buy the seeds from Bingenheimer Saatgut or Kokopelli where they
ensure to record the heritage of the seeds.
● They do not fight with nature, they go flow with it. They look at the plants and decide whether
they need water, extra care, or any fertilizer.
Sustainable Farming Techniques:
Sustainable farming techniques aim to maintain the productivity of farmland while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. These practices promote the efficient use of resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster soil health.
SAKÜDA promotes organic farming principles, avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This helps preserve soil fertility and protects the health of consumers and farmers.
The network encourages water-saving techniques, such as drip irrigation, and promotes the use of rainwater harvesting systems to reduce water wastage.
Through agroforestry practices, SAKÜDA members integrate trees into their farms, enhancing biodiversity and improving soil quality through the natural cycling of nutrients.
SAKÜDA's Impact on the Agricultural Landscape in Turkey:
SAKÜDA's focus on biodiversity and sustainable farming techniques has numerous positive impacts on the agricultural landscape in Turkey listed as such:
● Conservation of indigenous plant varieties: By supporting local seed-saving initiatives, SAKÜDA contributes to preserving Turkey's rich agricultural heritage and maintains a diverse gene pool.
● Enhanced ecosystem services: Promoting biodiversity and sustainable farming practices leads to healthier ecosystems, benefiting pollinators, soil microorganisms, and natural pest control mechanisms.
● Climate change mitigation: Sustainable farming practices reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to Turkey's efforts to combat climate change.
● Empowerment of small-scale farmers: SAKÜDA's collaborative approach empowers small producers, providing them access to markets and a fair income for their efforts.
Vegan Perspective, Protein Transition, and Animal Welfare:
Vegan Perspective, Protein Transition, and Animal Welfare:
As a vegan chef, Deniz Yoldaç emphasizes the crucial role that biodiversity and agroecology play in supporting plant-based diets. Cutting off animal-based products from daily diets reduces carbon and water footprints, aligning with sustainable practices. SAKÜDA's agroecological approach supports the transition towards more plant-based protein sources, contributing to a sustainable and compassionate food system.
Berin Ertürk shared her stance on animal welfare, stating that they avoid buying products from producers who mistreat animals, feed them GMO animal feed, or engage in cage-based farming. Their commitment to sustainable practices extends to preserving biodiversity and wildlife on their farm, fostering a harmonious coexistence with nature.
Challenges:
One of the main problems in farming today is the rapidly increasing costs, leading to reduced profits and added burden on farmers. Despite putting in more effort and care, farmers often face inadequate support from policies and markets, making it difficult for farming to remain a sustainable generational family business. This situation poses a significant threat to the preservation of traditional farming knowledge and practices, as younger generations are less inclined to continue their family's agricultural legacy.
During the interview with Jade Çiftliği, transportation concerns emerged as a significant challenge. Ensuring safe and secure transportation of their high-quality agroecological products without increasing the carbon footprint remains a constant struggle for the farm. This issue calls for innovative solutions to maintain the integrity of their products and reduce environmental impact.
Another challenge arises when small-scale farmers opt for non-hybrid seeds and organic practices, fearing potential declines in crop yields and income. The misconception that hybrid seeds and synthetic inputs guarantee higher profits perpetuates the reluctance to embrace sustainable farming methods. Additionally, some government policies and subsidies inadvertently favor conventional farming, hindering the progress of agroecological practices. Raising awareness about the long-term benefits of sustainable farming, such as preserving biodiversity, improving soil health, and enhancing resilience to climate change, is crucial in dispelling these misconceptions and encouraging sustainable practices.
Furthermore, consumer awareness plays a vital role in driving demand for agroecological products. Educating consumers about the significance of supporting sustainable farming practices can lead to an increased appreciation for locally sourced and environmentally friendly products.
To address these challenges, collaboration between farmers, policymakers, and consumers is essential. Implementing supportive policies, providing targeted support and education, and creating platforms for direct farmer-consumer connections can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector. By collectively working towards a common goal, we can protect traditional farming knowledge, promote biodiversity, and ensure a prosperous future for small-scale ecological producers.
Action Proposal:
To support and promote Jade Çiftliği's work on biodiversity and agroecology, we propose the establishment of a local farmer's market in the vicinity of Adapazarı. This market will serve as a direct platform for Jade Çiftliği and other small-scale producers to connect with consumers, showcasing their diverse range of agroecological products. The market will not only encourage conscious buying practices but also foster education and awareness about the significance of biodiversity in agriculture.
Additionally, the implementation of Advance Purchase Agreements can further incentivize more conscientious producers to join the network. This scheme ensures a guaranteed market for their products, promoting stability and encouraging sustainable production practices.
To reduce the carbon footprint of distribution, we will work towards increasing low-carbon distribution points, encouraging consumers to buy directly from these points. As chefs, we can actively support local producers by prioritizing their products in our establishments, thereby providing our guests with access to high-quality, locally sourced food.
I experienced the impact of connecting with a local producer through this interview, as I started procuring fresh vegetables and fruits from SAKÜDA for my restaurant right after the interview. This illustrates the potential for such collaborations to create meaningful connections between producers and chefs, benefitting both parties.
Furthermore, advocating for regulatory and policy changes is essential. Encouraging large retail markets to source products from local, sustainable networks will strengthen the development of sustainable agricultural systems.
In conclusion, our proposed action plan aims to strengthen the link between sustainable agriculture and local producers by establishing a local farmer's market, promoting advance purchase agreements, encouraging direct buying from low-carbon distribution points, and fostering collaborations between chefs and local producers. Through these efforts, we envision the promotion and preservation of biodiversity in agriculture, contributing to a more resilient and ecologically responsible food system.
Conclusion:
The insights gained from the interview with Berin Ertürk, owner of Jade Farm, and Deniz Yoldaç, a vegan chef, shed light on the vital role of biodiversity and sustainable farming techniques in Turkey's agricultural landscape. Through the collaborative efforts of SAKÜDA - Sakarya Küçük Üretici Dayanışma Ağı, these visionary individuals and other small-scale producers are driving positive change in the local food system.
The commitment of Jade Çiftliği to ecological farming practices without the use of harmful chemicals exemplifies the potential for sustainable agriculture to thrive in Turkey. Berin Ertürk's dedication to preserving soil health and sharing her knowledge with fellow farmers showcases the transformative power of education and knowledge-sharing in fostering a more resilient and ecologically responsible agricultural system.
As a vegan chef, Deniz Yoldaç emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between sustainable farming and plant-based diets. By prioritizing biodiversity and agroecology, we can reduce our carbon and water footprints and contribute to a compassionate food system that values animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
The establishment of a local farmer's market in Adapazarı, proposed in this report, serves as a direct platform for producers like Jade Çiftliği to connect with consumers, promote their agroecological products, and raise awareness about the significance of biodiversity in agriculture. Additionally, the adoption of Advance Purchase Agreements provides stability and incentive for conscientious producers to participate in the network, ensuring a guaranteed market for their sustainable products.
To further support sustainable agriculture, we advocate for more low-carbon distribution points, where consumers can access high-quality, locally sourced food directly. As chefs, we hold the power to amplify the impact of local producers by incorporating their products into our menus, fostering a deeper connection between the farm and the table.
In conclusion, the success of SAKÜDA and the commitment of individuals like Berin Ertürk and Deniz Yoldaç showcase the transformative potential of sustainable agriculture in Turkey. By promoting biodiversity, embracing sustainable farming techniques, and bridging the gap between producers and consumers, a more resilient, environmentally conscious, and socially responsible food system can be built for the benefit of present and future generations. Together, we can foster a harmonious coexistence with nature while nourishing both our bodies and the Earth.
Sources:
Fondazione Slow Food (2022, March). Exhibitors' Criteria for Markets. Retrieved from
https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/EN_criteri_espositori_Mercati.pdf
Fondazione Slow Food. (n.d.). Guidelines for Slow Food Presidia. Retrieved from
https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/what-we-do/slow-food-presidia/the-project/guide-lines/
Interview on 29th of July with Berin Ertürk, Maksukiye Village, Sakarya
https://ourworldindata.org/global-land-for-agriculture
Sources:
Fondazione Slow Food (2022, March). Exhibitors' Criteria for Markets. Retrieved from
https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/EN_criteri_espositori_Mercati.pdf
Fondazione Slow Food. (n.d.). Guidelines for Slow Food Presidia. Retrieved from
https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/what-we-do/slow-food-presidia/the-project/guide-lines/
Interview on 29th of July with Berin Ertürk, Maksukiye Village, Sakarya