Bilecik retirees transition from industrial labor to specialized agriculture

Retirees in Bilecik, Turkey, are successfully transitioning from industrial labor to specialized agricultural production.

Mehmet Demir, a former textile worker, utilized support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to establish a blueberry farm on 18 decares of land in the Pazaryeri district. After receiving a 50 percent grant through the “Blueberry Production Expansion Project,” Demir planted 5,000 saplings. His operation includes a modern irrigation system and solar panels to meet electricity needs. He currently expects a yield of approximately 6 tons this year, with long-term goals of exceeding 20 tons.

In the Bozüyük district, İlhan Emir has turned inherited land into a lavender farm. After retiring from factory work in 2023, Emir planted 500 lavender roots. Working alongside his wife, he uses distillation methods to produce lavender oil, room scents, and car fragrances. The couple has recently secured a trademark for their products, which are produced locally in Karaağaç village.