Pesticides Were Addressed from Multiple Perspectives
The “Symposium on the Effects of Pesticides on Food Safety and Public Health,” organized by the TÜBA Food and Nutrition Working Group, concluded at Mersin University. During the two-day symposium, the effects of pesticides on food safety, public health, the environment, and agricultural policies were comprehensively evaluated in light of scientific data.
The program was organized with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, as well as academics from state and foundation universities, professional associations, and experts from the private sector.
Food safety is the foundation of independence
Speaking at the symposium’s opening, TÜBA President Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şeker emphasized that the issue of pesticides is not limited to the agriculture and food sectors alone, but is a multifaceted and strategic field.
President Şeker noted that pesticides have a broad scope of impact, ranging from environmental effects to international trade, and from sustainable agricultural policies to public health, stating that this makes the issue strategic for nations. Highlighting that the acute and chronic effects of pesticides directly impact the health of future generations, Şeker added that this also plays a decisive role in the future of society and healthcare expenditures.
He noted that Türkiye possesses strong interconnectivity between agriculture and industry, emphasizing that food security has become a critical issue in terms of a country’s self-sufficiency capacity, particularly in the post-pandemic era. Şeker stated that the scientific assessments presented at the symposium would be shared with policymakers to contribute to decision-making processes. He also mentioned that studies are ongoing in various strategic areas within TÜBA and drew attention to the upcoming meeting of the Rare Earth Elements Working Group, which will be hosted by Kütahya Dumlupınar University in the near future. Highlighting the strategic importance of Türkiye’s natural resources, Şeker emphasized the necessity of developing science-based policies in this field.
The issue is not pesticides, but uncontrolled use
TÜBA Full Member and Chair of the TÜBA Food and Nutrition Working Group, Prof. Dr. Kazım Şahin, stated that pesticides are an important tool in modern agriculture but that their uninformed use poses serious risks.
Noting that pesticide residues can exceed legal limits in some cases, Şahin highlighted that children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable groups. “Food safety is directly linked to public health,” said Şahin, emphasizing that pesticide management is also a policy concerning health, the environment, and the future.
Meanwhile, Mersin University Rector Prof. Dr. Erol Yaşar expressed his satisfaction that the university was hosting such an important scientific event. Prof. Dr. Yaşar noted that the scientific data presented at the symposium would make significant contributions to future studies in the fields of food safety and public health.
Comprehensive evaluation across five sessions
During the two-day symposium, the scientific foundations of pesticides, their agricultural applications, residue levels, legal regulations, analytical methods, and their impacts on public health and the environment, as well as sustainable management approaches, were discussed.
Additionally, topics such as new technologies, the European Union harmonization process, and public perception and awareness were evaluated by experts.
Scientific findings to be presented to policymakers
It was noted that the scientific findings obtained at the end of the symposium will be compiled into a report and shared with relevant institutions and policymakers. In this context, the aim is to contribute to the establishment of a safer and more sustainable food system in Turkey.
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