Volume: 3, 2024
3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A005
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.A005
Published online: 24 April 2024
ICDSUPL, 3, A005 (2024)
Advancing rural sustainability. Assessing the impact of EU IPARD Program on animal science in Turkey
Cihan Çalıkoğlu1*
1 Department of Economics and Economy Policy in Agribusiness, Faculty of Economics, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
* Corresponding author: cihan.calikoglu@up.poznan.pl
Abstract
The objectives of this study are to assess the impact of the EU’s Instrument for Pre Accession Assistance for rural development (IPARD) Program in Turkey, with a focus on sustainability and animal sciences. Objectives of IPARD in rural areas are: (1) increasing the competitiveness of the agri-food sector by aligning it with the EU standards (veterinary, food safety and phytosanitary); (2) facilitating business development, growth, and employment; (3) contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation; (4) improving community development and social capital. In Turkey, the program is allocated to various measures and some of them are also correlated animal sciences, identified by specific codes such as 101 (producing of milk, red meat, poultry, and egg), 103 (processing of these products including fishery products) and 201 (agri-environment-climate and organic farming). These measures aim to improve the quality and efficiency of animal production, enhance animal welfare standards, and promote environmental conservation practices in the agricultural sector. Total amount of IPARD grant is over 1.8 billion €, over 25.200 project is completed, and over 100.000 employment opportunities are created. Moreover, adherence to EU standards regarding hygiene, animal welfare, and environmental protection is essential for Turkish agri-businesses to qualify for IPARD funds. Compliance with these standards ensures that beneficiary countries contribute to the goals of sustainability and environmental protection set by the EU. Several exemplary investment projects in animal sciences have used IPARD funds to improve animal husbandry practices, enhance veterinary services, and implement sustainable farming techniques. For instance, one project focused on upgrading dairy farms with modern milking equipment and improving animal welfare conditions, resulting in increased milk production and higher-quality dairy products. Another project invested in biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks in poultry farms, leading to improved flock health and productivity. In conclusion, the IPARD plays a vital role in advancing animal sciences and promoting sustainability in Turkey’s agricultural sector, which is important for EU Green Deal. By aligning with EU standards and implementing innovative investment projects, Turkey can further strengthen its agricultural competitiveness and contribute to the broader objectives of rural sustainability and environmental conservation.
Keywords: rural development, sustainability, animal sciences, IPARD
How to cite
C. Çalıkoğlu, 2024. Advancing rural sustainability. Assessing the impact of EU IPARD Program on animal science in Turkey. In: 3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.A005