As an agricultural engineer who has worked in the agricultural sector for many years, I can say with confidence that agriculture is far more than simply sowing seeds and growing crops. It is a strategic sector that directly influences a country's independence, food security, economic stability, and social well-being. For this reason, we must change the way we view agriculture and move beyond short-term solutions toward policies that are designed with the future in mind.

In recent years, we have experienced the effects of climate change more intensely than ever before. Drought, unexpected frosts, hailstorms, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and extreme temperature fluctuations can destroy months of a farmer's hard work within just a few hours. It is no longer enough to discuss climate change. We must implement production models, water management strategies, and risk planning practices that are adapted to these new realities. The future of agriculture depends on how well we protect our natural resources today.

Water is the most fundamental resource in agricultural production, yet it is far from unlimited. Every drop must be used wisely. Expanding the use of pressurized irrigation systems, investing in closed irrigation networks, and improving farmers' access to modern irrigation technologies are all essential steps. If we fail to conserve water today, we will not be able to sustain agricultural production tomorrow.

Today, our farmers are striving to produce under increasingly difficult conditions. The costs of fertilizers, fuel, electricity, crop protection products, seeds, and labor continue to rise, while crop prices fail to increase at the same pace. As a result, producers' incomes are shrinking, and many are being driven away from farming altogether. Yet without profitable producers, consumers cannot expect affordable and reliable food. Farmers are the most critical link in the agricultural value chain, and that link must remain strong.

Planned agricultural production is no longer a choice, it is a necessity. Decisions about what crops should be grown, where, and in what quantities must be based on water availability, market demand, and export potential. When every producer rushes to plant the same profitable crop one year, only to face severe price declines the next, neither farmers nor the national economy benefit. Predictability is the foundation of sustainable agriculture.

Reliable food production is only possible when guided by scientific knowledge. Agricultural engineers play a vital role throughout every stage of production; from soil analysis and plant nutrition to crop protection and harvesting. Making better use of the expertise and experience of agricultural professionals will improve production quality while ensuring that consumers have access to safe and reliable food.

The responsible use of crop protection products also deserves careful attention. Preventing pesticide residues, protecting the environment, and minimizing export-related challenges all depend on proper application practices. At the same time, any new regulations in this area must reflect the realities of agricultural production. Rather than introducing measures that place unnecessary burdens on farmers, agricultural engineers, and agricultural suppliers, policymakers should focus on solutions that are practical, enforceable, and sustainable.

Agricultural production is not only an economic activity but also a social one. Policies must encourage younger generations to remain in rural communities and continue farming. As the average age of farmers continues to rise and fewer young people choose careers in agriculture, the future of the sector faces a significant risk. Economic and social conditions must be improved so that agriculture becomes an attractive and viable profession for young people.

Agricultural support programs should be designed to increase production and announced in a timely manner so that farmers know what to expect before the planting season begins. Uncertainty is one of the greatest obstacles to agricultural production. The more confidence producers have in the future, the more willing they are to invest, improve their operations, and contribute to the national economy.

Professional organizations, universities, public institutions, and producers must come together around the same table. Agriculture can only be managed effectively through collaboration and shared expertise. When practical knowledge from the field, academic research, and public policy complement one another, better outcomes become possible. Decisions guided by science will protect producers, consumers, and the future of our country alike.

When we talk about agriculture today, we are ultimately talking about tomorrow. We are discussing our children's access to healthy food, the protection of our natural resources, and the productive strength of our nation. For this reason, agriculture should not be the subject of short-term debates but rather of long-term national policy.

I firmly believe that Turkish agriculture can achieve far greater success by embracing an approach that supports farmers, values the expertise of agricultural engineers, protects natural resources, and places science at its core. Strong agriculture depends on strong producers, and strong producers can only thrive through sound policies, scientific knowledge, and collective wisdom.

Ebru Kaçın, President of Chamber of Agricultural Engineers (ZMO) Antalya Branch