FAO enhances knowledge and skills of Syrians and local farmers through Farmer Field Schools

An inauguration ceremony launched a Farmer Field Schools initiative to support Syrians  refugees under Temporary Protection and Turkish citizens in improving their knowledge and skills of modern agricultural technologies and practices.

Through Farmer Field Schools, FAO will provide training for selected Syrian refugees and host communities with support from the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry.  The project is funded by the European Union (EU).

In his opening remarks, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Central Asia and FAO Representative in Turkey Viorel Gutu noted that the project represents an important milestone in building the resilience of Syrians under Temporary Protection and vulnerable host communities, with a view to creating employment opportunities in the agrifood sector in Turkey. He thanked the European Union for its generous support of Syrians and local communities, highlighting the long-term goal of improving livelihoods.

 “The EU is working closely with all parties and with FAO to shape a better future for refugees and host communities, and to ensure an enabling environment for them to become skilled workforce,” said Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut,  Head of the EU Delegation to Turkey, recalling the EU’s support for Turkey throughout the Syrian crisis.

“The EU is proud to contribute to the impressive efforts of the Turkish government in the area of employment, notably the agricultural employment of refugees, which is a priority area for the Facility together with other critical work on education, health and protection”, said the Head of the EU Delegation to Turkey.

Aylin Çağlayan Özcan, Director-General of EU and Foreign Relations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, shared her thoughts on the situation in the food and agriculture sector. She stressed the importance of the efficient and sustainable use of resources, and emphasized the importance of rural development for sustainability in the agriculture and food sector.

All COVID-19 precautionary measures, including physical distancing and the use of proper protective equipment, will be maintained throughout the training course. FAO will provide necessary safety and hygiene materials and protective equipment such as masks, hand sanitizers, face shields and information materials.

The project is implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services.

The official inauguration of the  Farmer Field Schools was also attended by and Sürur Kır, Acting Head of the Training and Publication Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

23 October 2020, Izmir, Turkey