On November 8, 2024, Dr. Yeşim Bekyürek delivered a guest lecture titled “Cappadocia Organic Farming Producers’ Association” (KAPTAR) as part of the GLB203 course. During the session, she shared the inspiring story of how she and other like-minded individuals founded KAPTAR in 2009 to promote organic agriculture in the region.
Supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality, the association has organized farmer training programs, set up organic markets and stands, and promoted the inclusion of women in agricultural production. In 2018, Dr. Bekyürek also played a leading role in the establishment of the Women Farmers Ecological Education and Production Center Cooperative (KAÇEM).
Emphasizing that organic farming is not only a production model but also a matter of education and social development, Bekyürek advocated for the integration of organic agriculture into education policies and highlighted that access to clean food is a basic human right.
Starting with 8 producer families on 80 decares of land, KAPTAR has now expanded to include 34 families farming on 700 decares. Through her efforts, Dr. Bekyürek continues to contribute to rural development and empower women in organic farming, making a lasting impact.
Her talk received great interest and appreciation from the students.
