The Food Community Gathering, organized by the Development Foundation of Türkiye (TKV) in Mardin, brought producers and consumers together under one roof to strengthen local production, promote nature-friendly agricultural practices, and improve access to healthy food.
With strong participation, the gathering created a space for producers and consumers to exchange ideas about the future of local food systems. Participants discussed the importance of access to reliable food and the value of direct relationships between producers and consumers in strengthening local food networks.
“Before TKV, we relied on trial and error when farming. Thanks to TKV, we learned how to produce organically, without chemicals, and using informed agricultural practices.”
— Food Community member
During the Q&A sessions, participants shared knowledge and experiences related to the nature-friendly farming practices supported by TKV. Discussions on organic production methods, good agricultural practices, and sustainable farming approaches created an environment of mutual learning among participants.
Throughout the gathering, producers had the opportunity to learn from one another, while consumers gained a closer understanding of production processes. Heirloom seeds were exchanged among producers, natural products were tasted together, and the importance of healthy, locally produced food was highlighted once again.
“Here, we share not only our products but also our experiences. As we learn from one another, our production becomes stronger.”
— Food Community member
Following the sessions, a farmers’ market was set up where farmer-producers connected directly with consumers and offered their products. This supported direct sales models while enabling participants to access local and organic products without intermediaries. The direct interaction between producers and consumers also contributed to building trust-based food communities.
“Meeting consumers directly increases the value of our work and helps build trust between us.”
— Food Community member
The Development Foundation of Türkiye continues to support local production, strengthen solidarity between producers and consumers, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The Food Community Gathering stands as an important example of this approach by bringing together knowledge sharing, solidarity, and access to healthy food on a common platform.
Each producer’s story became part of a shared journey of solidarity, and every connection built during the gathering represented an investment in the future of local production.
Communications Expert - Serif ARSLAN
