The second Eskişehir Agriculture Fair (Eskişehir 2nd Agriculture, Livestock, and Technologies Fair) was inaugurated at the ETO TÜYAP Exhibition Center with the participation of representatives from the protocol and business world.
The fair, held from September 1, 2021, opened its doors with COVID-19 precautions in place. The opening ceremony was attended by Eskişehir Governor Erol Ayyıldız, AK Party Eskişehir deputies Nabi Avcı and Emine Nur Günay, CHP Eskişehir Deputy Utku Çakırözer, mayors, and representatives from the protocol and business sectors.
During the event, Governor Erol Ayyıldız emphasized the strategic value of the agriculture, livestock, and food sectors, stating that the importance of safe food has been understood worldwide, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. He pointed out the significance of sustainable development and agriculture, noting that Turkey has advanced its agriculture and livestock practices through the adoption of advanced and sustainable techniques.
AK Party Eskişehir Deputy Emine Nur Günay remarked that the global perspective on agriculture and livestock has changed due to the food crisis threat experienced during the pandemic. She highlighted that Turkey's emphasis and support for these sectors will continue to grow. Similarly, AK Party Deputy Nabi Avcı expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to organizing the fair, stating that the interest shown in the event reflects Eskişehir's identity as an agricultural city. He stressed that fairs contribute to promoting and developing the city’s sectors.
CHP Eskişehir Deputy Utku Çakırözer expressed his happiness at the resumption of the agriculture fair, noting that the pandemic and climate change have made self-sufficiency crucial for countries. He underscored the need for more support for farmers and producers.
ETO President Metin Güler pointed out that agriculture is vital not only for the country but also for the city, mentioning that approximately 25,000 farmers and nearly 100,000 people make a living in the agriculture sector in Eskişehir. He added that agriculture is also a significant export item, citing that the Netherlands, with a land area similar to that of Konya, generates over $116 billion in agricultural income. Güler emphasized ETO's commitment to the development of all sectors in Eskişehir, stating that the Eskişehir Fuar Kongre Merkezi and the fairs held there contribute to this goal.
Eskişehir Organized Industrial Zone President Nadir Küpeli noted that while Eskişehir is known as an industrial city, it is also an agricultural city, and the Agriculture Fair contributes to this aspect. He thanked everyone involved in organizing the event.
Ilhan Ersözlü, General Manager of Tüyap Bursa and Tüyap Konya Fairs, stated that after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Eskişehir Agriculture Fair has resumed. He remarked that the fair will provide significant contributions to the agriculture sector in Eskişehir and the country over its five-day run. Ersözlü also mentioned that the fair will showcase advanced agricultural practices in response to climate change and drought. Following the speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, and the protocol and business representatives visited the booths of participating firms.