400,000 Summer Seedlings Meet Farmers

Bornova Municipality has started distributing 400,000 summer vegetable seedlings to support producers in rural neighborhoods. The first distribution took place in Beşyol Neighborhood, where 20,000 seedlings of 10 different varieties were delivered to local farmers. The seedlings were grown from heirloom seeds at the municipality’s Local Seed Center. The Bornova Municipal Council has approved the rural status of 12 neighborhoods where the distributions will continue, pending final approval from the Metropolitan Council.

Free Seedlings from Bornova Municipality Reach Rural Areas

The free distribution of 400,000 summer vegetable seedlings grown by Bornova Municipality to rural neighborhoods has officially begun. In the first stage, 20,000 seedlings were distributed at a ceremony held in Beşyol Neighborhood.

Strong Participation from Women

The distribution event in Beşyol drew significant attention, particularly from women. The seedlings—tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, long black eggplants, and round eggplants—were all grown from heirloom seeds at the Bornova Municipality Ecological City Local Seed Center.

Mayor Eşki: “We stand with our farmers”

Speaking at the event, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the importance of sustaining agricultural production in rural neighborhoods, stating:

“We distribute seedlings grown from our local seeds not only to ensure access to healthy food but also to maintain the reliability of our village markets. These seedlings will not only nourish the soil but also secure Bornova’s future.”

Mayor Eşki also announced that seedling distribution would continue across all 12 neighborhoods that recently regained rural status through a municipal council decision, and noted that final approval from the Izmir Metropolitan Municipal Council is still pending.

Gratitude from Farmers

Farmers who attended the distribution ceremony expressed their appreciation for the municipality’s support, saying:

“This support is vital for us to continue producing, especially for growing our heirloom tomatoes and peppers. Thanks to our municipality, these seedlings have been a breath of fresh air for us.”