"2025 World Food Day Panel" was held in Ankara

The "2025 World Food Day Panel" organized by the Agricultural Strategy and Policy Development Center (TARPOL) and the World Food Organization (FAO) was held at the Ulucanlar Semi-Open Prison Culture Museum.

In his speech, Zeybekci stated that agriculture is the beginning of the economy and listed the three most basic needs of humanity as nutrition, shelter and security.

Pointing out that agricultural production is equivalent to human existence, Zeybekci stated that the world population has doubled in the last 50 years, and that production has not increased to the same extent and strength in the face of the growing population.

Zeybekci emphasized that the global disaster burden has increased exponentially over the last decade, saying, "The economic cost of this situation is hundreds of trillions of dollars. A large portion of this loss is in agriculture. This situation poses serious risks to food. Disasters like floods and droughts, in particular, will continue to increase globally and pose serious threats."

Zeybekci stated that a large portion of the world's population is facing malnutrition problems, and that Israel's recent efforts to destroy society by starving Gaza are a disgraceful situation in human history.

Zeybekci emphasized that Türkiye is a strong country in terms of its agricultural economy, saying, "Turkey has made significant progress in agricultural production over the last 25 years. Agricultural gross domestic product has increased from $25.5 billion to $75 billion. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's strong leadership, imagination, and sagacity are key to this success."

Zeybekci, who stated that the issue of rare elements has recently been on the world's agenda, stated that the most important rare elements in human history are food and water, and argued that efforts must continue to prevent waste and malnutrition worldwide.

TARPOL Chairman Mehmet Mehdi Eker also stated that Türkiye has great agricultural power and that this power comes from geography, culture and history.

Eker, noting that despite all efforts worldwide, the outlook for food is not very promising, said, "Global warming, war, trade embargoes, food conservatism, and trade restrictions are all contributing to malnutrition. The number of undernourished people worldwide is increasing daily."

Eker explained that many cities have been experiencing water problems recently, and that water levels in dams and underground are decreasing, making this a crucial issue to consider.

Eker emphasized that the United Nations (UN) is inadequate to solve the problems in the world and continued his words as follows:

"Nutrition and agriculture are the most important issues to consider. Agriculture is not just about planting things. It is also culture; it forms the foundations of culture. Therefore, the source of culture is agricultural activities. Agricultural production is not the only thing that is lost from agriculture. For our future and our world, we need to sit down and find solutions to food problems. Because we know that without agriculture, there is no food, no nutrition, and no life."

Eker emphasized that Israel's attacks on Gaza, as well as its policy of starving the people living in the region, are unprecedented in history, and that what is happening goes beyond crimes against humanity.

Following the opening speeches, the "Türkiye's Role in Global Food Supply Security Panel" was also held.

Speaking here, Ahmet Güldal, General Manager of the Turkish Grain Board (TMO), noted that there has been a decline in grain production worldwide this year, adding that there is no numerical data that would suggest a famine.

Güldal pointed out that the world experienced a record temperature increase of 1.6 degrees last year, explaining that each degree increase led to an 8 percent decrease in agricultural production.

Ayşegül Selışık, Deputy Representative of FAO Türkiye, stated that agriculture will be indispensable for future generations and made the following assessment:

"Therefore, it's important to underscore the concept of sustainability. Our motto this year is 'Hand in Hand.' We need to work hand in hand to ensure global food security. Our goal is to ensure food security. We need to coordinate and deliver results together."

Meanwhile, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Director General for International Economic Policies and Institutions Işıl Cemali Doğan, International Flour Industrialists' and Grain Producers' Association Eurasia President and Ulusoy Flour Chairman of the Board of Directors Eren Günhan Ulusoy, and TARPOL's Mehmet Hasdemir also gave speeches at the panel.

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