President Mustafa Genç: “Agricultural Production Capacity Must Be Preserved When Planning Development”
Mustafa Genç, Chairman of the Board of the Sakarya Commodity Exchange, stated that Sakarya is one of Turkey’s key production hubs, thanks to its robust industry, fertile agricultural lands, developing trade sector, and strategic location.
Expressing that the Sakarya Commodity Exchange attaches great importance to attracting investment to the city, boosting production and employment, and further strengthening the economy, Chairman Genç noted their belief that the city's agricultural production capacity—one of its most vital assets—must be preserved while planning for development.
Pointing out that food supply security, clean water resources, and fertile agricultural lands hold strategic value for nations today, Chairman Genç said, "Therefore, when planning new industrial zones, factors such as the quality of agricultural land, water resources, existing agricultural production, environmental impacts, and regional characteristics must be evaluated in light of scientific data."
Emphasizing that they do not view industry and agriculture as alternatives to one another, Mustafa Genç stated that with proper planning, Sakarya could continue to be both a strong industrial city and a major center for agricultural and food production in Turkey.
Mustafa Genç noted the importance of the approach taken by the Governorship, the Metropolitan Municipality, Members of Parliament, and political party representatives regarding industrial zones in Sakarya, stating their belief that such critical decisions affecting the city's future should be evaluated through collective wisdom, consultation, and scientific data.
Stating that they are not opposed to Sakarya’s growth or the attraction of new investments, Genç affirmed their support for the development of production, trade, and employment. Genç said, “However, while doing so, we must protect our irreplaceable agricultural lands, water resources, and food production capacity.”