Ayhan Gider: Without agriculture, neither the eco nor tourism will remain

AK Party Çanakkale Deputy Ayhan Gider delivered important messages during his congratulatory visit to the management of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers. Stating that the primary duty of professional chambers and non-governmental organizations is to produce politics and policy, Gider argued that these institutions turning into a mouthpiece for any political party would mean a betrayal to society. He expressed his satisfaction with the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers determining its new management through a single-list election. Emphasizing that politics should be done for the people and society, he underlined that chambers should not be used as tools for political party rivalries. He stated that this approach is of great importance in preserving the strength and independence of civil society.

Gider, who is also an agricultural engineer, stated that he had resigned his membership in the past because the chamber's management was acting as a representative of a political party, but decided to become a member again with the new term. By stating that he never took off his professional badge and kept it among his most valuable belongings, he showed his devotion to his profession. He added that the chamber is closely concerned not only with its own internal affairs but also with the problems of farmers, and that this situation is commendable. He said that agricultural engineers struggle for farmers in the field and exhibit an example of solidarity he has not seen in any other professional chamber. Through this, he expressed that the value of the engineering profession in the eyes of society is increased.

Gider guaranteed that they will provide all kinds of support to chamber members on agricultural production and marketing issues, drawing attention to the importance of inter-institutional cooperation. He stated that the supports provided by institutions such as the Development Agency, TKDK, KOSGEB, and the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture need to be used actively. Pointing out that the production pattern must constantly be renewed, he explained with examples that products that seem like a miracle today may lose their value tomorrow. He recounted that after tobacco was abandoned in the Yenice region, there was a shift to pepper production, but as the Balkans also started growing peppers, their competitiveness decreased. Instead, he suggested turning to value-added sectors such as ornamental plants that bring a high price per kilo or gram.

Deputy Gider also touched upon the geographical structure of Çanakkale, acknowledging that the province, consisting of two peninsulas and two islands, has high tourism potential. However, he clearly expressed that tourism should not mean second home construction, and that they are against the province turning into a pile of concrete. He said he was absolutely opposed to the careful revision of zoning plans and the occupation of agricultural lands under any name. He emphasized that he is not against the concept of ecotourism itself, but is against people who try to obtain rent by hiding behind this concept. He argued that if agricultural lands disappear, neither the ecosystem can be permanent nor can tourism become sustainable.

In the final part of his speech, Gider underlined the strategic importance of agriculture, saying that it would be wrong to evaluate agriculture solely through high value-added products. He drew attention to how food and agricultural production, not technological superiority, played a decisive role during the World War II era. He recalled that today, even a conflict between just two countries shakes global food supply chains, and crises are experienced even in basic products like wheat that grow everywhere. Concluding his words, he underlined that for this reason, agriculture in our country must be protected, developed, and kept alive under all circumstances.