5th LTT Activity of the Powerworms Project was hosted by Malatya Turgut Ozal University between 16-18 July 2024.
From July 16 to 18, 2024, Malatya Turgut Özal University played host to the 5th Learning, Teaching, Training Activity (LTTA) of the "VERMICOMPOSTING: The Future of Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Waste Management in Europe" project, part of the POWERWORMS initiative (2021-1-TR01-KA220-VET-000030021). This event gathered experts, researchers, and stakeholders from various sectors and partner institutions across Europe and Türkiye to discuss and advance the practices of vermicomposting. The three-day program, held at the university's Battalgazi Campus and various field sites, included a series of insightful sessions, practical trainings, and collaborative meetings aimed at enhancing sustainable agriculture and organic waste management through innovative vermicomposting techniques.
On July 16, 2024, Malatya Turgut Özal University kicked off the first day of the "VERMICOMPOSTING: The Future of Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Waste Management in Europe" project, part of the POWERWORMS initiative. This significant event, held at the Battalgazi Campus's Arslantepe Toplantı Salonu, drew participants from various sectors interested in sustainable agriculture and organic waste management. Notably, representatives of partner institutions from Naturainnova and Malatya Apricot Research Institute in Türkiye, FACE from the Nothern Macedonia, WWOOF Espana, INNOPOLIS and INNOTOMIA from Greece, and ILA from the Netherlands were in attendance as well as experts and academicians from MTU. The event began with a welcoming and opening ceremony by project coordinator Assoc. Prof. Ekrem Akbulut, setting the tone for the day's discussions and activities.
Rasim Aydın, the President of the Turkish Worm Fertilizer Manufacturers Association, led the first session, discussing "Vermicomposting: Good practices in Türkiye." Aydın's presentation highlighted successful vermicomposting initiatives and practices within the country, offering valuable insights and methodologies to enhance organic waste management.
Participants enjoyed a brief intermission with a coffee break, providing an opportunity for networking and informal discussions.
Rasim Aydın continued with the second session, delving into the "Current status of vermicompost production in Türkiye." This session offered a comprehensive overview of the industry’s progress, challenges, and future directions. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the current landscape and potential growth areas within the vermicomposting sector.
The afternoon session featured Güler Cebbar, MSc, an agronomist from Riverm Compost Vermicompost Ltd. Co., who presented on "The importance and future of vermicompost use in sustainable agriculture." Cebbar's expertise provided attendees with forward-looking perspectives on integrating vermicompost into sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing its role in enhancing soil health and productivity.
The day concluded with a special presentation by Rowin Snijder from the Netherlands, renowned for his innovative "worm hotels." Snijder's presentation captivated the audience with insights into the design, implementation, and benefits of worm hotels. These structures, which house and cultivate worms for composting, represent a novel approach to organic waste management and urban agriculture.
The first day concluded with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the following days' activities, including study visits and practical training sessions. This event marks a significant step in promoting vermicomposting as a vital component of sustainable agriculture and organic waste management in Europe.
On July 17, 2024, Malatya Turgut Özal University continued the second day of the "VERMICOMPOST: The Future of Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Waste Management in Europe" project with significant field visits in Sivas. The event brought together representatives and experts from partner institutions.
The day began with a visit to SORTAŞ Co., one of Turkey's leading vermicompost manufacturers. Participants had the opportunity to tour SORTAŞ's modern production facilities, witnessing the vermicompost production processes and applications firsthand. SORTAŞ officials provided detailed information about their production methods and shared successful case studies.
These field visits enhanced the participants' knowledge and experience in vermicompost production and the use of organic fertilizers. The event highlighted the importance of sustainable agriculture and organic waste management, contributing to the dissemination of best practices in the sector. At the end of the second day, participants left motivated to implement what they had learned and strengthen collaborations.
On July 18, 2024, the third day of the "VERMICOMPOST: The Future of Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Waste Management in Europe" project took place, organized by Malatya Turgut Özal University. This day was focused on practical training and feedback sessions, further enriching the participants' experience and knowledge.
The day began with a visit to Sütlüce Vermicompost, a leading producer located in Yeşilyurt, Malatya, and managed by Serkan Doğan. Participants had the chance to explore the production facilities and observe the vermicomposting processes in action, gaining practical insights into the industry.
From 12:00 to 14:30, a hands-on training session titled "Vermicomposting: From Theory to Practice" was conducted by Ekrem Akbulut in Yeşilyurt, Malatya. This session provided participants with an in-depth understanding of vermicomposting techniques, from theoretical foundations to practical applications. Akbulut's expertise and interactive approach ensured that attendees could apply the knowledge gained effectively in their own practices.
After lunch, POWERWORMS project participants gathered for a crucial one-hour meeting to discuss the outputs of the Powerworms project. The meeting, held at Malatya City Council, included key stakeholders and experts from partner institutions. During this session, participants reviewed the project's achievements, evaluated the effectiveness of implemented vermicomposting practices, and discussed the next steps for dissemination and scaling up the successful methodologies. The collaborative discussions ensured a shared understanding of the project's impact and future direction, solidifying the foundation for ongoing progress in sustainable agriculture and organic waste management.
The day concluded with a feedback and evaluation session from 16:00 to 17:00. Participants shared their thoughts on the training, discussed the effectiveness of the sessions, and provided valuable input for future activities. This session emphasized the collaborative spirit of the event, ensuring continuous improvement and mutual learning.
Overall, the third day was marked by practical learning, active participation, and constructive feedback, further advancing the goals of promoting sustainable agriculture and effective organic waste management.
For more please visit; www.powerworms.org
The project is held in coordination with the Malatya Turgut Ozal University in partnership with;
Innopolis Centre for Innovation and Culture,
Fondacija Agro Centar Za Edukacija Face,
ILA,
WWOOF España,
Innotomia P.c.,
Naturainnova Gida Tarim Ve Ilac Ltd.
Kayisi Arastirma Enstitusu,
