New Style of Farming

We are in touch with nature. We grow without harming nature. Our gardens previously had a flood irrigation method. Tons of water could be wasted. We replaced our entire garden with drip and sprinkler irrigation systems so that our water resources do not decrease. We are investigating whether we can provide the energy we use in our packaging area with solar energy. We share our experiences with our farmers and protect Finike Agriculture. Our investments to grow new crops in our gardens continue. The fruits on the tree can be of various sizes and qualities. 1. Quality fruits are used, but unfortunately, stained, non-caliber large or small fruits, which we call discard, cannot be evaluated at good prices. We create added value by drying these fruits, which have no difference in flavor and water ratio, and making jam or freshly pressed fruit juice. Our difference is not using any preservatives or additives. We make our jams without added sugar with apple concentrate and fruit itself. It is among our investment plans to increase our production, which is very limited for now. It is obvious that your brand has a serious contribution to Finike in terms of economy. Can you talk a little about these? Do you have any other projects to increase this contribution?
Our Finike is geographically in a very beautiful location and has an incredible microclimate. A very valuable black grape grows in our Yazır village, 30 km from the center. It is a very old breed and is only watered by rain. I’m talking about the Yazır grape. Until this year, this grape was only sold in the markets of Finike and the surrounding districts. The site for the first time this year we were able to reach out to every part of Turkey. We got incredibly positive feedback. We opened a new market channel. We are negotiating with the villagers to increase the production of this grape. We will ensure that farmers continue farming by protecting our values, agriculture and our land. We are replanting many old breeds, which were consumed in the past but have been discontinued due to market concern and loss of productivity today. There are types / flavors that are forgotten but should not be forgotten. As an example to these; we can list scented lemons, red lemons, sugar oranges, Jaffa orange and chadox.

How many people do you team?
Team of 35 in winter and 17 in summer. Most of our employees are women. We will grow in agriculture and increase our employment. During these processes, we all became interested in farming. Do you have any advice on this matter? What did the epidemic show us in agriculture, which we are in and whose effects are felt deeply in every sector?
The farmer needs to continue farming. Price and production stability must be ensured, which both the farmer and the consumer are satisfied with. These two sections should not be offended by each other. The farmer should not stop production because there is no financial gain, and his children should be able to continue farming. We must protect agricultural areas and not become dependent on foreign countries in agriculture. The coronavirus has shown us that we should not be dependent on outside food. We are experiencing climate changes due to global warming and various reasons. For example, a tornado disaster occurred in the last two winters in Finike. There was nothing like this before. We need to not harm the environment and protect the forest areas. Everyone should plant a tree in their life, irrigate it …

Thyme, a plant species used by mankind since ancient times, is a symbol of nobility, courage and wealth. Betül Pak, an academic at the Department of Vegetable and Animal Production at Tavas Vocational High School at Pamukkale University, stated that Denizli is the capital of the world in thyme production. Pak said, “These days when we approach nature and nature due to coronavirus, we can make and use cleaning materials with thyme oil and oregano juice in our home. One of our bedside plants should be thyme with its natural scent and relaxing feature.”

Pamukkale University Tavas Vocational High School Plant and Animal Production Department lecturer Betül Pak made a statement about the thyme production in the city and its benefits. Pak, Denizli thyme needs of the world 75 percent, he said that Turkey meets the 90 percent. Pak noted that they are continuing scientific research and studies at Tavas Vocational High School in order to improve thyme production in the city.

BEAUTIFUL SCENT IN ANCIENT GREEK, USED FOR CANDLES IN ANCIENT EGYPT
Stating that thyme has been used by humanity since ancient times, Pak said, “Thyme is a plant that has a history of thousands of years and was the symbol of nobility, courage and wealth in ancient times. In ancient Greece, it is seen that incense was used in temples because of its fragrance, as an antitrust remover in humans and as a repellent of insects in homes, and in ancient Egypt, it was used in mummy making by taking advantage of its germicidal and protective properties, and it is included in the prescriptions on the tablets belonging to the Mesopotamian Civilization period.

In this week’s young entrepreneurs interview, we are together with Mete Apaydın, the founder of Portakalbahcem.com, a new generation farmer who combines farming with e-commerce and has been awarded many awards. Therefore, the demand for citrus increased during this period. We, who saw, touched and smelt many products, were on the computer for shopping during this epidemic. So, do you wonder where and how the vegetables you buy online and the fruits grow? This article may satisfy your curiosity. Are you a farmer?
Yes I am a farmer. I studied my primary, secondary and high school education in Şişli Terakki High School. I graduated from Işık University Industrial Engineering. I am an industrial engineer farmer. Although I was educated in Istanbul, I spent all my holidays and summers in Finike. After completing my education in Istanbul, my biggest dream was to return to Finike.

How did you establish your brand?
Our gardens are inherited from my grandfather to me. My family has been operating as a farmer in the agricultural sector for nearly 100 years. As someone who grew up with soil, I started to take care of our gardens. In my career goal, I always had to head our gardens in my mind. My job is farming and I am currently doing what I know best. I established our website by combining our farming with e-commerce.