Turkey-TRNC Cooperation in Carob: Duran Yılmaz Spoke at the Workshop at Near East University

The future of carob, known as the "black gold" of the Mediterranean, was held at the Near East University in the TRNC. Cyprus-Turkey Carob WorkshopIt was discussed in . One of the speakers at the opening of the workshop organized in cooperation with Near East University, Alanya Carob Producers Association and Cyprus Carob Growers Association Alanya Carob Producers Association (Alkub)Founder and president of Duran Yilmaz was.

"An important start for common goals"

Duran Yılmaz said that he believes that the workshop will create a strong cooperation ground between Turkey and the TRNC in the field of carob. He stated that if productive results are obtained from the workshop, carob can be developed together by both sides and moved to a much stronger point.

Yılmaz explained that they closely follow the TRNC's support policies for carob and that carob has an important place in state policies in Cyprus. Emphasizing that these supports contribute to the continuation of production and set an example for Alanya, Yılmaz expressed his belief that a common roadmap will be created with the support of the ministry in the coming period.

"This workshop will be an important start for us to act together towards common goals." — Duran Yılmaz

Science, industry and producers at the same table

In the workshop held with the theme of "Science, Industry and Sector Cooperation", the production potential of carob, value-added products, usage areas in industry and sustainable production models were evaluated. According to the information shared by Alkub, 5 universities, 2 research institutes, TRNC Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, General Directorate of Forestry, producer associations, academicians, sector representatives and producers attended the workshop.

At the opening, TRNC Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources Hüseyin Çavuş, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, NEU Faculty of Agriculture Dean Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, Cyprus Carob Growers Association President Bekir Bolatcan and Tatlısu Mayor Hayri Orçan also made speeches.

In his statement after the workshop, Alkub thanked Prof. Dr. Özge Özden for hosting and Bekir Bolatcan for his efforts in the organization and stated that this meeting was the beginning of joint projects and scientific studies in the field of carob between Turkey and the TRNC.

Source: Near East University · Photos: Near East University