A New Model Trial in Turkish Agri-Food Sector

Abstract

The study aims to develop an agri-food model for the agriculture sector which was prioritized in Ankara Regional Innovation Strategy. The model was designed by Ankara Development Agency and implemented at the pilot level. The model consisted of two components. One of them is technology absorption, which matches technology makers and farmers or companies in order to bring technology to this sector, and another one is an extension model that university, research stations, farmers, and food companies work together to spread innovation. This model will shed light on a different approach in developing countries thanks to technological improvement and the great interest of startups and public policies for the agro-food sector. The pilot model was based on ten matches in between farmers, food firms, and universities. The preliminary results showed that the program was welcomed by farmers and food companies as well as start-ups.