Training sessions for local producers continue under the “Kapadokya Slow Food Earth Market” project, which aims to establish Turkey’s sixth Earth Market in Uçhisar.
Supported by the Ahiler Development Agency and developed by our university, this project aims to empower women producers of local agricultural products by enabling direct sales to consumers at fair prices while promoting good, clean, and fair production principles. The project has been awarded funding by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Industry and Technology under SOGEP.
Chef Yasemin Güzel leads the training program that covers both ethical production principles and practical sales techniques. The curriculum begins with an introduction to Slow Food philosophy and Earth Market criteria, explaining the concept of good, clean, and fair food production. Participants learn how these markets differ from traditional farmers’ markets and receive guidance on responsible production and sales management.
The training focuses on product quality and sustainability standards, including seasonal production, additive-free processing, eco-friendly packaging, waste reduction, and sustainable logistics planning to minimize the carbon footprint. Food safety sessions detail hygiene requirements from production to sales, including HACCP implementation in home environments, proper food storage and transportation, and accurate labeling with ingredient and allergen information.
Sales training focuses on ethical business practices, customer communication, fair pricing strategies that balance production costs and reasonable profit margins, and compelling storytelling to highlight local cultural heritage. Participants learn digital marketing techniques and social media strategies to increase sales, as well as customer service skills for handling complaints and maintaining post-sale relationships.
The program concludes with practical workshops on product presentation and marketing, where producers practice stall design and product arrangement while developing compelling narratives about their offerings.
This comprehensive training equips local producers with sustainable production knowledge and enhanced sales skills, preparing them to succeed in Earth Markets while fostering consumer trust through environmentally conscious and ethical business practices.
