Çaycuma Sera OTB's First Export to Holland: A New Milestone in Turkey's Agricultural Exports

The Çaycuma Sera Organize Farming Area (OTB) in Zonguldak's Çaycuma district, established on 520 decares of land with approximately 280 million TL infrastructure investment and 80% grant support, has achieved its first direct export to Holland with cherry tomatoes. This marks a significant milestone in the initiative to integrate non-agricultural land into the economy. Zekai Kamitoğlu, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that the area has evolved into a hub for production, exports, employment, and regional development. The production was carried out using high-tech greenhouse systems, traceable production infrastructure, modern quality control processes, sustainable production principles, and a zero-waste approach. Kamitoğlu stated, 'We are practicing soil-less farming in Çaycuma and setting new standards.' The products have proven to be of acceptable quality for European Union countries. The region has a production capacity of approximately 6,000 tons per year and aims to reach 11,000 tons of export products when fully operational. Dr. Osman Yıldız, General Director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's Agricultural Reform and the Chairman of the IPARD Management Authority, highlighted that 'Our Organize Farming Areas are the strongest examples of planned production, high technology, employment, and export-oriented development.' The export to Holland demonstrates the level of Turkey's agricultural production power in international markets. 'We are building the Turkey Century in agriculture as well.' > This successful export marks a new era in Turkey's agricultural exports and will further enhance the recognition of Turkish agricultural production in international markets. This model can be applied in other regions to contribute to the goal of integrating non-agricultural land into the economy.