Why the Turkey climate summit matters for agriculture
The focus of the global climate conversation on agriculture is intensifying, and the Turkey climate summit presents a pivotal moment. While conversations at Belem highlighted the need for fair food systems and stronger support for smallholder farmers, a Turkish-led gathering has the potential to turn those talks into tangible actions. The agricultural sector is at the front lines of climate change, facing erratic rainfall, heat stress, and volatile markets. A summit focused on practical, scalable solutions can translate lofty commitments into measurable improvements for farmers, food security, and rural livelihoods.
Linking agroecology to resilience
Agroecology sits at the heart of climate-smart farming. It emphasizes biodiversity, soil health, and culturally appropriate practices that lower emissions while boosting yields. Turkey’s diverse agro-ecological zones—from the Aegean terraces to the Anatolian steppes—offer a living laboratory for agroecological pilots. A Turkey climate summit that prioritizes knowledge sharing, regional demonstrations, and farmer-to-farmer learning can accelerate the adoption of practices such as cover cropping, agroforestry, and integrated pest management. These approaches help soils sequester carbon, conserve water, and reduce dependence on costly chemical inputs.
Smallholders at the center
Smallholder farmers—often the most vulnerable to climate shocks—need targeted support to stay resilient. The Belem discussions called for systems that protect farmers from price swings, ensure fair pricing, and provide affordable insurance and credit. The Turkey climate summit can advance this agenda by proposing streamlined credit lines for climate-resilient crops, transparent commodity markets, and insurance products that are accessible to smallholders. When smallholders have secure livelihoods, communities gain steady food supply, reduced rural-urban migration, and improved local economies.
Fair food systems and global justice
Fair food systems are not a niche concern; they are essential for global food security. A credible Turkish agenda would push for equitable value chains, responsible sourcing, and accountability for multinational players. Consumers benefit from transparent supply chains, while farmers benefit from fairer prices and predictable markets. A Turkish-led push could also align trade policy with climate goals, ensuring that export-oriented farming does not come at the expense of local food resilience. This balance supports both farmers and consumers, contributing to a more just and sustainable global food system.
Policy instruments and financial support
Real progress requires concrete policy instruments. The summit can advocate for subsidies that reward climate-smart practices rather than inputs, finance mechanisms for risk-sharing, and climate adaptation funds directed at rural areas. In addition, it should encourage knowledge exchange platforms that connect farmers with researchers, extension services, and civil society. The result would be more resilient harvests, lower input costs, and better farm incomes—outcomes that ripple through national economies and national food security goals.
What success looks like for Turkey and beyond
Success would be a clear road map: commitments backed by funding, measurable targets for emissions reductions in farming, and a framework for monitoring progress with farmer-friendly metrics. It would mean stronger support networks for smallholders, more widespread use of agroecological practices, and faster transitions to fairer food systems. While the Belem summit captured the urgency of climate action, the Turkey climate summit has the opportunity to translate that urgency into durable changes for agriculture, water security, and rural livelihoods.
Closing thought
As climate realities intensify, the agriculture sector needs champions who understand both the science and the social fabric of farming communities. A Turkey climate summit that centers the needs of farmers, respects ecological limits, and commits to fair, resilient food systems could become a catalyst for real-world change—benefiting growers, consumers, and the planet alike.
