Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, the Niğde Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, the Niğde Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies at NÖHÜ, and the Ayhan Şahenk Agricultural Application and Research Center jointly held an "Agrotourism Workshop" on August 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM.

On August 21, 2025, the "Agrotourism Workshop" was hosted by the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies at Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University. The workshop aimed to create a sustainable rural development model by integrating Niğde province's rich agricultural potential with modern tourism trends. The workshop brought together critical stakeholders who will shape the region's future: academics, representatives of public institutions, civil society organizations, producers, cooperatives, and tourism professionals, around a shared vision. This report aims to provide a detailed record of the strategic ideas presented, the problems identified, and the concrete solutions developed through an in-depth analysis of the opening remarks, informative presentations, and interactive panel discussions held during the workshop.

OPENING SPEECHES

The workshop was opened by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Şekeroğlu, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, on behalf of the host institution. In his speech, Prof. Dr. Şekeroğlu emphasized that Niğde's wide range of products, from apples and potatoes to cabbage and cherries, not only possess economic value but are also integral to the city's cultural identity. Şekeroğlu stated that activities such as the tomato and cabbage harvest, which began on the day of the workshop, were the first concrete steps in transitioning from theory to practice, and that this process would gain momentum with the upcoming grape harvest festivals. He shared the goal of cultivating agrotourism into a dynamic structure through events to be organized throughout the year in line with the biological cycle of agricultural production and expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the implementation of this vision. Elif Belkıs Baştürk, Niğde Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism, then addressed the audience, emphasizing the synergy created by integrating the province's existing tourism assets—its highlands, faith tourism routes, and geographical proximity to a global brand like Cappadocia—with agrotourism. Baştürk noted that this combination has the potential to transform villages and farms into attractions offering authentic experiences. She summarized the multifaceted benefits of agrotourism by saying, "Visitor participation in agricultural processes, the preservation of our cultural heritage, the initiation of rural development from a local perspective, and authentic experiences like grape harvesting will bring both economic and social vitality to our rural areas." Speaking on behalf of the university, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ersin Aydın emphasized that one of the most fundamental duties of universities, beyond their educational and research missions, is to serve society. Aydın stated that one of Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University's strategic priorities is "agriculture and food." He stated that this workshop demonstrates the university's proactive role in regional development and expressed his gratitude to Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Şekeroğlu for his efforts in this direction. Niğde Deputy Governor Ahmet Yıldız, who delivered the final opening remarks, emphasized that development paradigms should not be limited to industry and investment, but rather that tourism, as a "smokeless industry," should be recognized for the potential of untouched areas, particularly agrotourism. Yıldız outlined the vision by stating, "The success of agrotourism depends on building a model that prioritizes human health and ecological balance, infused with the principles of organic agriculture and permaculture. Our target audience is conscious consumers who want to escape the chaos of the city, touch the soil, and witness its production." He stated that the hospitality of farmers and local businesses is the cornerstone of creating a sustainable and welcoming tourism environment, free from profit-driven approaches, and expressed his hope that the workshop will achieve its goals.