The staff of the General Directorate of Agricultural Reform, which acts as a Managing Authority have conducted field visits for Local Action Groups supported under the IPARD II Program LEADER measure. In this context, Özge TEKİN, A. Head of Department for the Department of Managing Authority for EU Structural Adjustment, visited Dr. Murat ÇAKMAKLI, our Agriculture and Forestry Provincial Director and Dr. Sadık YETİM, ARDSI Provincial Coordinator in their office in Şanlıurfa on October 20, 2022.
Then the delegation headed by Mrs. TEKIN, consisting of representatives of the Management Authority, Şanlıurfa Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry and TKDK Provincial Coordination visited the Local Action Groups Hilvan, Halfeti, Bozabad, Harran, Birecik on site.


Halfeti YEG Director, Mr. Ahmet BALANDIZ noted that in 2022, a library was built for the GURKUYU Primary School, located in the countryside far from the center, training was given to tourism business owners and tourism employees, a pistachio harvest festival was held in September, and a harvest festival was planned for the Eğriburun olives unique to the region. Birecik YEG founder Hüseyin Sirhan GÖKDOĞAN stated that trainings were conducted on peanuts and garlic grown in their regions, a peanut festival was organized, studies were carried out to obtain the geographical indication of pepper grown in their regions, and a kite festival was organized. Veysel CAN, the Director of Bozabad YEG whose YKS has been newly approved, stated that they will work to maintain the tradition of Gevendelik in their regions. In addition, Mr. CAN noted that there are many young people who are talented in music in the district, and studies will be conducted for these young people. The District Governor of Harran, Mr. Ibrahim Gültekin, was visited in his office and informed about the LEADER's measure. Mr. Reşit AYDIN, the founder of Harran YEG, whose YKS has just been approved, stated that they will organize festivals and promotional days in order to realize the tourism potential of the district. Mrs. Özge TEKIN stated that the relevant institutions of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will closely monitor the studies during all visits and that efforts will continue to be made to ensure smooth communication between stakeholders. Mrs. TEKIN drew attention to the benefit of newly established YEGs being in contact with experienced YEGs. In addition, Mrs. TEKIN noted that their 2 main tasks as the Managing Authority in 2023 will be the successful completion of the IPARD II Program and the rapid completion of all preparations for IPARD III.