Sevilma, an olive oil producer based in İzmir Seferihisar, has been granted membership of the World Agroecology Coalition, which works towards agroecological transformation on a global scale. With this membership, Sevilma has become the first food company in Turkey to gain membership of the World Agroecology Coalition.
About the World Agroecology Association:
The World Agroecology Coalition is a global collaboration platform, established with the participation of more than 40 countries and over 150 organisations, which advocates harmony with nature as a fundamental solution for the transformation of food systems. The Coalition aims to promote the widespread adoption of fair, resilient and sustainable food systems by bringing together policymakers, farmers, research institutions, civil society organisations and the private sector.
The Role and Commitment of Sevilma:
Agroecology refers to an approach to production that is in harmony with nature, free from chemical inputs and based on local knowledge. Sevilma, too, in line with these principles;
- We work together to protect the health of both people and nature,
- It supports natural and traditional production methods,
- It reduces the use of chemical inputs,
- It is strengthening its collaboration with local and small-scale producers,
- It contributes to the conservation of biodiversity.
Sevilma also supports agroecological production on an international scale as the sole member in Turkey of the Agroecology Europe platform and as the first and only representative in Turkey of the Slow Food Farms network developed by Slow Food.
Why is it important?
Food systems are of key importance in terms of combating climate change, conserving biodiversity and building social justice. Sevilma’s participation in these international coalitions is not merely a reflection of an organisational vision; it also serves as a pioneering example demonstrating that agroecological transformation is both possible and feasible in Turkey.
The Philosophy of Sevilma:
Dr Güven Eken, founder of Sevilma, summarises this approach as follows:
“In this day and age, one of the root causes of illness is toxic and unhealthy food. This appalling method of production is damaging not only human health but also the health of nature. In a world where nature’s health is being undermined, there is no place for healthy people. We are working to produce the sort of food a mother would want to feed her child.”.
This sentence contains not only a mother’s tenderness, but also a strong proposal for an alternative policy regarding the future of Turkish agriculture. Today, Turkish agriculture is heading down a dead-end path reliant on imported GMO seeds, chemical inputs and intensive water consumption. However, examples such as Sevilma demonstrate that a different kind of agriculture is possible: producing better results whilst spending less, and producing in harmony with nature rather than in spite of it.”
In line with this objective, Sevilma continues its work as part of key global networks such as the World Agroecology Alliance, Slow Food and Agroecology Europe. These international collaborations help to strengthen both production practices and the promotion of the values it champions.
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