Thousands of Students Experience Agriculture at Balıkesir BAÇEM Center in Turkey

Connecting the New Generation with the Soil at BAÇEM Center The Balıkesir Agricultural Training and Production Center, known as BAÇEM, opened its doors to thousands of students from across the region in a large-scale educational initiative [1]. This program, organized by the Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality, aimed to introduce children and youth to nature, agriculture, and plant sciences. Participants ranging from kindergarten children to university students took part in these technical visits to bridge the gap between modern urban life and the roots of food production [2].

Practical Training: From Seed Sowing to Medicinal Plants During these visits, students did not just watch the fields; they actively participated in the production process. One of the most engaging parts of the program was the planting of rosemary and basil saplings by the students themselves [3]. Expert instructors at the center explained plant growth stages, modern irrigation methods, and the importance of using organic fertilizers. Additionally, students were introduced to the center's collection of medicinal and aromatic plants, gaining valuable information about the economic and therapeutic value of these species [1].

International Cooperation and Environmental Protection BAÇEM's activities are not limited to the local level. The center recently hosted teachers and students from various countries under the Erasmus+ project titled "Ecological Digital Solutions for Climate Change" [2]. Furthermore, in collaboration with the TEMA Foundation, educational workshops on soil and water resource protection were held, concluding with students planting oak saplings to contribute to the region's vegetation cover [3].

Strategic Role of the Municipality in Agricultural Development Balıkesir Municipality officials believe that teaching agriculture to the younger generation is a guarantee for future food security. With its tissue culture laboratories, distillation units, and industrial dryers, BAÇEM is considered one of the most advanced training centers in Turkey [2]. In addition to students, the center provides specialized consultancy to regional farmers to increase crop productivity in Balıkesir province [1].