Turkish municipalities host festivals to distribute and preserve heirloom seeds

Municipalities in Düzce and Gaziantep have launched initiatives to preserve and distribute heirloom seeds to ensure agricultural heritage for future generations.

Düzce Municipality held an heirloom seed distribution festival at its Agricultural Academy, distributing 16,000 seed packets of eight different varieties to citizens. Mayor Dr. Faruk Özlü stated that the academy focuses on producing medicinal aromatic plants, multiplying heirloom seeds for farmers, and providing greenhouse and agricultural training. Düzce Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry, Esra Uzun, noted that genetic samples from the academy are sent to seed gene factories in Ankara and Izmir to ensure long-term preservation.

In Gaziantep, the 3rd Seed Exchange and Nature-Friendly Agriculture Festival began at Festival Park, organized by the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality and the Zeugma Rotary Club. Mayor Fatma Şahin emphasized the importance of protecting seeds as a vital resource, comparing their value to oil. The event includes exhibitions by producers and workshops for children, such as seedling planting, and will continue through October 24.