Diyarbakır Yenişehir has become the stage for a transformative initiative that is reshaping the future of agriculture and women's empowerment. Through a strategic partnership involving the Yenişehir Public Education Center, the District National Education Directorate, and the Municipality, the "From Seed to Table" project equips women with essential agricultural skills, fostering economic independence and contributing to sustainable agriculture.

Project Overview The initiative offers extensive training programs on key agricultural practices such as pruning, grafting, and undercover seedling cultivation. These comprehensive trainings are designed to enhance the women's technical knowledge and practical skills in agriculture. Upon completing the training, the participants established a cooperative, enabling them to oversee the entire production process from seed to table.

Empowering Women Through Cooperation The formation of the cooperative has been instrumental in providing the women with economic opportunities and a platform for collective growth. By collaboratively managing production and sales, they have created a sustainable business model that not only boosts their economic independence but also strengthens community bonds. The cooperative structure allows them to efficiently prepare their products for the market, ensuring quality and consistency.

Market Expansion Participation in regional fairs has significantly increased the cooperative's market presence. These events have provided the women with opportunities to showcase their products to a broader audience, fostering greater recognition and demand. The increased visibility has not only expanded their customer base but also established their brand both regionally and nationally.

Recognition and Impact In 2023, the project's success received national recognition when it was selected as one of 11 exemplary practices among 162 projects from 73 provinces by the General Directorate Selection Commission. This accolade underscores the project's significant impact on sustainable agriculture and women's empowerment in Turkey.

Contribution to Sustainable Agriculture Amid rapid urbanization and the growing food demands of urban populations, this project presents a viable model for sustainable agriculture. It addresses food security challenges by integrating women into the agricultural sector and promoting practices that are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. The initiative demonstrates how local efforts can contribute to national goals of sustainability and food self-sufficiency.

Conclusion The "From Seed to Table" project in Diyarbakır Yenişehir exemplifies how education and cooperative efforts can drive social and economic transformation. By empowering women through skill development and collective enterprise, the initiative not only enhances individual livelihoods but also contributes to broader objectives of sustainable agriculture and rural development. It serves as an inspiring model for similar communities seeking to harness local resources and talent for collective growth.