Sakarya University supports local farmers and food producers in food safety and sustainable agriculture knowledge, skills and technology. In particular, faculty members of the Food Engineering Department of the Faculty of Engineering of the university carry out studies on pests that damage agricultural products and support farmers on these issues. Additionally, seminars, panels and meetings are held on sustainable agricultural methods and technologies.
Farmers' demands, regional expectations and needs are taken into account in R&D studies for sustainable and safe agriculture. For this purpose, Sakarya University attaches great importance to research centers and laboratories related to agricultural sciences and prefers to invest (https://haber.sakarya.edu.tr/gida-muhendisligine-yeni-laboratuvar-h115054.html). Scientific and practical studies carried out in Sakarya University laboratories contribute to knowledge and skills on safe agriculture. Research and development studies, information and projects which support sustainable food practices produced in various laboratories such as Plant Tissue Culture Research and Production Laboratory (https://sargem.sakarya.edu.tr/tr/icerik/16094/82738/vizyon-ve-misyon), Food Analysis Laboratory (https://food.sakarya.edu.tr/tr/icerik/14335/71706/gida-analizleri-laboratuvari), Milk and Dairy Products Technology Laboratory (https://food.sakarya.edu.tr/tr/icerik/14336/71742/sut-ve-sut-urunleri-teknolojisi-laboratuvari), Food Packaging and Preservation Laboratory (https://food.sakarya.edu.tr/tr/icerik/14507/71804/gida-ambalajlama-ve-muhafaza-laboratuvari), Food Biotechnology Laboratory (https://food.sakarya.edu.tr/tr/icerik/14511/71874/gida-biyoteknolojisi-laboratuvari), Food Microbiology Laboratory (https://food.sakarya.edu.tr/tr/icerik/14510/71875/gida-mikrobiyolojisi-arastirma-laboratuvari), Sustainable Food Processing Laboratory (https://food.sakarya.edu.tr/tr/duyuru/goster/125894/suprolab-acilisi). The findings obtained from the R&D studies carried out in this research and application laboratory of Sakarya University are shared with farmers and food producers through seminars and press conferences.
Plant Tissue Culture Research and Production Laboratory, which serves at Sakarya University, was established in cooperation with Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Studies here have traditionally focused on the mass production of some commercially important plants that are difficult to produce in a short time and under aseptic conditions. These studies diversify in line with the demands of the producers.
In addition, Sakarya University organizes events to connect local farmers and food producers and transfer information and provides support to regional events. For example; The International Ornamental Plants Festival, of which Sakarya University is among the sponsors, is held every year in Sakarya Province. Shrub and tree ornamental plant producers, plant nutrition and spraying suppliers, irrigators, illuminators, pot manufacturers, design and application offices, local governments, public institutions and organizations, large-scale construction companies, landscape architects and the public participate in the festival.
Sakarya University provides local farmers and food producers with access to university facilities (such as laboratories, technology, plant stocks) in order to develop sustainable agricultural practices. These people can forward their project requests regarding sustainable agriculture to Teknokent or the Scientific Research Projects Unit. As a result of these demands, an R&D team consisting of Sakarya University faculty members and research assistants is formed and the needs are projected.
Sakarya University attaches importance to purchasing from local and sustainable sources through direct purchases and indirect purchases. In the procurement through tender conducted within Sakarya University, the condition of purchasing from sustainable sources has been added to the tender conditions for possible products. The products offered in the canteens and cafeterias within the university are purchased from local producers.
