Ürgüp, Nevşehir – A former English teacher has traded lesson plans for mushroom cultivation, now overseeing a thriving agricultural operation that produces approximately 60 tons of mushrooms each month. Gürkan İzgi, 35, embarked on this career shift in 2021 after receiving a recommendation to apply for a grant program offered by the Agricultural and Rural Development Support Institution (TKDK). His story exemplifies how strategic investment and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can revitalize rural economies and create jobs.
Izgi’s journey began with four years of teaching English, a profession he left behind to pursue a venture in his hometown. Inspired by a friend’s success with the TKDK program, he secured funding to establish a modern mushroom farm in Sofular village, Ürgüp. The 2,540-square-meter facility, built to European Union standards, now stands as a testament to the potential of agricultural entrepreneurship in Turkey. This success story highlights the growing trend of individuals seeking alternative livelihoods in rural areas, supported by government initiatives like TKDK.
The facility boasts 19 production rooms, a cold storage unit and a packaging area, enabling Izgi and his team to meet the demands of chain supermarkets across Turkey. But the impact extends beyond production figures. The operation currently employs 35 people, with the majority being women from neighboring villages, providing a crucial source of income and empowerment in the region. This focus on local employment underscores the broader socio-economic benefits of the project.
Izgi credits the TKDK with providing crucial financial support, initially covering 55% of the investment costs. He benefited from grants for both construction and machinery, and later secured additional funding to install solar panels, significantly reducing the facility’s energy expenses. “Today, support rates have reached around 70 percent,” Izgi noted, adding that the solar installation has brought electricity costs “close to zero” over the course of a year. The TKDK’s role in facilitating sustainable practices, like renewable energy adoption, is a key component of its mission to support rural development. CNN Türk reported on the success of Izgi’s venture and the impact of TKDK support.
Beyond the economic benefits, Izgi emphasizes a commitment to quality and health. “Our biggest advantage is that we practice decent agriculture. That is, we produce without using chemicals. We don’t put any product we wouldn’t feed our children on people’s tables,” he stated. The farm’s dedication to pesticide-free cultivation resonates with a growing consumer demand for healthier, more sustainable food options. Currently, the team is working to meet existing demand, and Izgi indicated plans for potential expansion in the future.
Izgi encourages others considering entrepreneurship to explore the opportunities offered by the TKDK. “Grant and VAT exemption supports provide great advantages for those who aim for to contribute to production, the economy, and employment. I think TKDK is a priceless asset for people in Turkey,” he said. He highlighted the current support levels, around 70% for investors, along with VAT exemptions and the absence of repayment requirements, as significant incentives. Yeni Şafak also covered Izgi’s story, emphasizing the job creation and production capacity of the farm.
The success of Izgi’s mushroom farm serves as an inspiring example of rural entrepreneurship and the positive impact of government support programs. As demand continues to grow, the facility is poised to further contribute to the local economy and provide valuable employment opportunities. The next step for Izgi and his team will be assessing the feasibility of expanding the facility to meet increasing market demands, a process expected to begin in the coming months.
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