The 7th International Agriculture, Food, Environment, and Biology Congress, hosted by Kastamonu University, started with the opening ceremony held at Sezai Karakoç Hall of the Central Library of our University on 26 September 2024. The congress, held in memory of Prof. Dr. Şaban Karataş, who made significant contributions to Turkish agriculture, will continue for four days between 26-29 September 2024. During the congress, the latest scientific studies in agriculture, environment, food, and biology will be presented in various sessions.
Kastamonu Deputy Governor Ahmet Atılkan, Kastamonu Deputy Mayor Hasan Fehmi Taş, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, academic staff, representatives from public institutions, non-governmental organizations and private sector attended the opening ceremony. The congress, which was held with wide participation at the national and international level, brought together the world of science and business.
In his opening speech, Congress President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ekrem Mutlu emphasized the importance of scientific cooperation in disciplines such as agriculture, food, environment, and biology. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mutlu stated that the environmental impacts of agricultural activities have increased since the Industrial Revolution and that this process continues today without slowing down. Emphasizing that technological developments have increased productivity in agriculture, Mutlu stated that in this context, the environmental impacts of agriculture should be addressed with an interdisciplinary approach. He also noted that the organization of the congress in memory of Prof. Dr. Şaban Karataş is a great step to keep alive the contributions to agricultural science.
Congress Coordinator Prof. Dr. Ahmet Şekeroğlu emphasized that the congress has grown and turned into an international platform. ‘I would like to thank all the academicians and the organizing team who have contributed to this success,’ said Şekeroğlu, noting the importance of cooperation and efforts in the success of the congress and expressing his gratitude to those who contributed.
Congress President Prof. Dr. Hasan Eleroğlu stated that the studies presented in the congresses leave permanent traces in the world of science and pointed out that such platforms are important for scientific research to reach a wide audience and to ensure a wider interaction in academic circles.
Kastamonu Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Yücel Tanrıkulu stated in his speech that agriculture has always been of strategic importance for humanity and that the global problems experienced in recent years have once again revealed this importance. Tanrıkulu stated that Kastamonu has a special place in terms of agriculture and emphasized the historical importance of siyez wheat in this region. He also said that 13 strategic products will be identified within the scope of agricultural production planning and production will focus on these products. He emphasized that the sustainability and environmental impacts of agricultural production should be carefully considered and stated that Congress constitutes an important platform in this sense.
In his speech, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük emphasized the accumulation of knowledge in the field of Forestry and Nature Tourism, in which our University specializes. Stating that sustainability, agriculture, and environmental problems are becoming increasingly complex at the global level, Prof. Dr. Küçük emphasized that these issues offer great opportunities for scientific cooperation.
Prof. Dr. Küçük stated that ecosystems have been under serious threats in recent years due to wars, migrations, natural disasters, and climate crisis, while access to healthy food has become increasingly difficult. He said that agriculture and water are among the strategic resources and issues such as drought, water scarcity, green energy, and zero waste have become more important with the effective management of these resources.
Stating that it is the responsibility of all nations of the world to achieve sustainable development goals, Prof. Dr. Küçük said that if these responsibilities are not fulfilled, major disasters are inevitable. Emphasizing that agriculture has always played a critical role in the development of civilizations, Küçük stated that today agriculture is directly related not only to food security but also to the environment and public health. He added that the congress will contribute to the development of sustainable solutions on agricultural production techniques and environmental impacts and that such platforms offer important opportunities for international cooperation.
Following the opening speeches, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Avcı, a Faculty Member of Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, made a comprehensive presentation on the latest developments in agricultural sciences. In the presentation, the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and the contribution of innovations in this field to agricultural production was emphasized.
After the speeches, plaques were presented to the participants who supported the congress, and a group photo was taken at the end of the event.
The congress, which will last between 26-29 September 2024, will continue with sessions, panels, and poster presentations where the latest research in the fields of agriculture, food, environment, and biology will be presented. The congress will end with the closing session on 29 September.
