Young Turkish farmers with advanced degrees aim for sustainable agriculture

Young people with advanced degrees in agriculture are increasingly choosing to return to their family farms in Türkiye, increasing yields and adopting sustainable practices to strengthen food production.

They are combining traditional farming methods with scientific knowledge and modern technology to create a more efficient agricultural sector.

Government incentives attract more young Turkish farmers to fields

In recent years, the number of young farmers in Türkiye has risen significantly. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the number of farmers with at least a four-year university degree reached 125,126 in 2024, up from 76,550 in 2015.

Many of these farmers hold master’s or doctoral degrees and are returning to their roots to apply their knowledge to improve sustainable agriculture.

The ministry has been actively promoting farming as a viable career option, especially for women and young people.

Programs offering financial and technical support have been instrumental in drawing more individuals to the sector.

“We are combining the knowledge we gained at university with the experience from our families to produce efficiently,” said 22-year-old twins Necla and Hatice Andac, who recently returned to their family farm.

Türkiye’s agricultural output sees significant growth

Türkiye’s agricultural gross domestic product (GDP) grew from $25.1 billion in 2002 to $69.2 billion by the end of 2023, a reflection of the sector’s expanding output.

This growth has been facilitated by the government’s support for the agricultural sector, making the country a net exporter of agricultural and food products.

The ministry’s new support model emphasizes positive discrimination for women and young farmers.

As a result, the number of registered young female farmers has increased dramatically. From 9,256 in 2015, the figure rose to 41,370 in 2024. The total number of farmers under the age of 40 has also grown, reaching 345,389, up from 102,374 in 2015.

Young Turkish graduates use modern techniques for sustainable agriculture

This new generation of educated farmers is integrating traditional agricultural practices with scientific advancements to make sustainable agriculture a reality. They are using their university education in agriculture-related fields to improve yields and ensure long-term sustainability.

“Now, experienced farmers are asking us questions about planting and harvesting,” Necla Andac explained, highlighting the impact of educated young farmers on the community.

The ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has established the Agriculture and Forestry Youth Council to connect these young farmers and foster collaboration.

This council brings together individuals aged 18 to 30 who are actively engaged in farming. Their insights and suggestions are helping to shape the future of sustainable agriculture in Türkiye.