FAO Türkiye delegation from Kars province explores innovation in goose farming
Food and Agricultural Organizations of the United Nations (FAO) Türkiye Country Office, in partnership with the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU), organized a technical expedition to Hungary for a delegation from Kars Province to explore innovation in goose farming.
The delegation included Enver Aydın, Kars Provincial Director for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Erdinc Koç, Deputy Director of the Agriculture and Forestry Directorate of Kars; Coskun Deniz Uysal, Head of the Coordination Department; Yunus Arzık, Livestock Officer, FAO SEC; Tibor Szucs, Livestock Officer, FAO REU and Mertcan Turan, Operation Associate, FAO SEC.
Between February 26 and 29, 2024, the 'Strengthening Goose Meat Production Through Rural Tourism and Gastronomy' project's experts explored Hungary's pioneering practices in goose breeding. Led by Enver Aydın, the delegation gained insights into various facets of goose husbandry with a focus on sustainability. The itinerary included visits to important institutions and facilities at the forefront of goose breeding research and innovation.
On Day 1, discussions at the National Centre for Biodiversity and Gene Conservation covered advanced research methods for waterfowl, revealing insights into in vitro culture, artificial insemination, and optimal conditions for goose husbandry and nutrition.
On day 2, Integral Mintebolt, a leading company in goose slaughter and processing, provided insights into meat processing techniques, hygiene standards, and potential opportunities for collaboration in establishing similar facilities in Kars. The emphasis on goose liver production and export highlighted the sector's potential for economic growth.
On day 3, the delegation explored the innovative approaches to goose breeding and incubation processes at the Agricultural and Life Sciences Institute of the University of Hungary. The processes shown in the research on animal nutrition and care contributed to the delegation's understanding of sustainable farming practices, laying a solid foundation for future endeavours.
On Day 4, the delegation visited Hungary's leading goose farming facility and was shown the institution's advanced vaccination protocols, disease management practices, and biosecurity measures. Observing the facility's sophisticated operations highlighted the crucial role of technological innovation in improving productivity and reducing environmental impact.
Enver Aydın highlighted the potential of the visit in advancing sustainable goose breeding practices.