Bornova’s Ecological City Seed Center

Bornova Municipality’s Ecological City Local Seed Center, which was opened nearly a year ago, strengthens ecological awareness by safeguarding 1,019 varieties of local seeds and offering both free distribution and educational activities. To date, thousands of seed packets have been distributed to citizens, workshops have been organized for students and adults, and active participation has been ensured through Seed Exchange Festivals and various events aimed at promoting the spread of local seeds.

Opened on February 15, 2025, on the second floor of the Bornova Central Covered Marketplace, the Ecological City Local Seed Center has become a significant hub in just one year for both the protection of local seeds and ecological awareness efforts. The center showcases a total of 1,019 varieties of local seeds, including 670 summer vegetables, 60 winter vegetables and greens, 130 grains and legumes, 48 oilseed plants, 96 medicinal and aromatic plants, and 15 geographically indicated varieties.
Free seed distribution is provided to citizens every weekday, and throughout 2025, 13,425 seed packets were delivered to 965 residents of Bornova. Bornova Municipality has supported the life cycle of local seeds not only through production but also through an education- and participation-oriented approach.

Ecological education from children to adults

A total of 3,107 students from 41 schools visiting the center participated in workshops on seed ball preparation, seed germination, and sustainable agriculture. Upon request, these educational activities were also carried out in classroom settings at schools.
For adults, six workshops were organized, providing 160 participants with hands-on training in local seed cultivation and germination techniques.

8,000 packets of heirloom seeds distributed to Bornova residents

The Seed Exchange Festival, organized to protect local seed diversity whose sale is prohibited under the current Seed Law, attracted strong public interest. During the festival, citizens enjoyed a vibrant event while obtaining 8,000 packets of heirloom seeds from municipal stands.
In addition, 33 associations and municipalities from different regions of Turkey participated in the festival, contributing to the sharing of local seeds and flowers.

A seed movement spreading from Bornova across Turkey

Throughout the year, Bornova Municipality took part in nine different seed exchange events held in İzmir and other cities. At these events, local seeds produced at the center—most notably the geographically indicated Bornova Kınalı Okra—were promoted and distributed. Over the course of the year, 23,520 packets of heirloom seeds reached citizens through these activities.

Mayor Eşki: “Protecting local seeds is our responsibility to the future”

Emphasizing the importance of children connecting with soil, nature, and production, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki stated:
“Our local seeds are not just plants; they are the assurance of our culture, our collective memory, and our future. We are determined to expand and sustain this movement we initiated in Bornova. We do not see the local seed movement as limited to Bornova alone. We are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with everyone who supports production across our country. As our seeds multiply, the abundance of life will multiply as well.”