New Era in Agriculture and Food: “Smart Systems” Discussed in Antalya

The roadmap for transformation in the agriculture and food sector was drawn in Antalya. The 5th International Food Chemistry Congress, organized with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; in cooperation with Üsküdar University, Yıldız Technical University and the Turkish Chemists Association, took place in Antalya Kemer.

Held between 9-12 April 2026 under the theme "Food Systems from Chemistry to Nutrition," the congress brought together academics, experts and sector representatives from different countries around the world. At the event, innovations in food technologies, global risks and sustainability-focused solutions were comprehensively addressed.

Food waste and hunger contradiction drew attention
Congress Chairman Prof. Dr. Muhammet Arıcı drew attention to the importance of healthy nutrition in his opening speech, emphasizing that increasing population and changing consumption habits are transforming food systems.

Highlighting a serious contradiction in the world, Arıcı said, "On one hand, billions of tons of food are wasted, while on the other hand, hunger persists."

Noting that consumer behavior is changing, Arıcı said that now it is not only price; quality, transparency and reliability are at the forefront.

"Food safety is now a matter of national security"
Turkish Chemists Association Chairman İkram Cengiz stated that food systems are under serious pressure on a global scale, noting that growing population, climate crisis and limited resources are straining the sector.

Cengiz emphasized that food safety needs to be addressed not only by production volume; but together with quality, traceability and sustainability, saying, "Food chemistry is the scientific foundation of safe production and the key to sustainability."

"The era of smart agriculture and smart food has begun"
TAGEM Deputy Director General Dr. Şerafettin Çakal noted that the agriculture and food sector has entered a new era.

Çakal said, "Humanity's future depends on food, food's future depends on agriculture, and agriculture's future depends on R&D and innovation. Today, we have entered the era of smart agriculture and smart food."

Noting that biotechnology, nanotechnology and digitalization have become decisive in production processes, Çakal pointed out that personalized nutrition systems will come to the fore in the future.

The problem is not production, but the system
Noting that despite sufficient food production in the world, hunger and waste continue, Çakal said that the problem stems from distribution and systemic failures more than production.

Drawing attention to the effects of climate change on agricultural production, Çakal emphasized that the protection of water resources, soil quality and biodiversity are of vital importance.

Digitalization and R&D emphasis
Ülker R&D Vice President Ali Sertakan noted that digital transformation in the food sector is inevitable, expressing that artificial intelligence, big data and automation systems play an active role in production processes.

Dr. Salih Tuncay from Üsküdar University also noted that the congress aimed to strengthen cooperation between the public, university and private sector.