Ege Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association Takes Leading Steps in Sustainable Production

Ege Fresh Produce and Vegetable Exporters Association (EYMSİB) maintained its leading position in plant-product exports in the Aegean Region with USD 1.232 billion in exports in 2025. The association implemented three major projects to strengthen sustainability in exports: "We Know the Pesticides We Use", "Food Loss Identification and Reduction" and "Third Generation Agricultural Entrepreneurship Training Programme".

Safe exports through pesticide control
Hayrettin Uçak, Vice Chairman Coordinator of Aegean Exporters Associations and Chairman of EYMSİB, stated that controlling pesticide use is critical for sustainable exports. Under the "We Know the Pesticides We Use" Project launched in 2021, samples from products such as grape leaves, peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, cherries, lemons, mandarins, pomegranates, seedless table grapes and peaches are taken and pesticide analyses are conducted in accredited laboratories. Following the analysis results, producers and exporters are informed while coordination is ensured with relevant institutions.

Chairman Uçak stated, "Pesticides are an important tool in combating diseases and pests in agricultural production. However, improper use can pose risks to both the environment and human health. Through this project, we aim to raise awareness among our producers about correct practices and strengthen sustainable production."

Sustainable production through food loss reduction
Uçak emphasized that sustainable production is now a necessity, not an option, to maintain competitiveness in global markets. He stated, "The fresh produce sector holds a strategic position both in terms of Turkey's agricultural production capacity and export potential. To maintain permanence in international markets, we must keep food safety, traceability and sustainable production standards at the highest levels."

EYMSİB's "Food Loss Identification and Reduction" Project was conducted in cooperation with Ege University Faculty of Agriculture. Losses in tomato, mandarin and pomegranate products from production fields through storage and packaging processes were examined, their causes were identified and training was provided to producers, intermediaries and technical personnel. The project aimed to create a more efficient and sustainable production model by reducing losses.

Bringing young people into agriculture
One of the important pillars of EYMSİB's sustainable agriculture vision was bringing young entrepreneurs into the sector. In this context, the "Third Generation Agricultural Entrepreneurship Training Programme" organised with the contributions of faculty members from Ege University and İzmir University of Economics and private sector representatives was held for the third time in 2025.

The programme addressed climate change, agricultural economics, new technologies and sustainable production models, while aiming for young entrepreneurs to develop new business models in the agricultural sector.

Chairman Hayrettin Uçak concluded, "We can build agriculture's future with young people who master technology, have an entrepreneurial spirit and possess high sustainability awareness. With our training programme, we are contributing to the development of the new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. We will continue our sustainability-related projects in 2026."