The Plant-Based Foods Association (BİTKİDEN), which brings together stakeholders contributing to a plant-based nutrition system for a more sustainable world, has commenced its activities. Aiming to develop projects in collaboration with its international partners, the association seeks to place plant-based foods at the centre of the transformation in the food system through a sustainable and scientific approach.
As demand for and production of plant-based foods increase, so does hope for a sustainable future. Launched in December 2022 with the goal of playing a pioneering role in this area in Turkey, the Plant-Based Foods Association (BİTKİDEN) aims to place plant-based foods at the centre of the food system transformation with a sustainable and scientific approach. Emphasising the importance of plant-based foods for sustainability, BİTKİDEN aims to unlock Turkey’s plant-based food potential.
“The future will be plant-based”
Ebru Akdağ, Chair of the Board of Directors of the BİTKİDEN Association, stated that the association’s vision is to be a pioneering and leading association for all stakeholders in this field, focusing on sustainable nutrition to benefit people and our planet. Akdağ said, “By bringing together all stakeholders who contribute to a sustainable plant-based nutrition system under our umbrella, we aim to pioneer the transition to plant-based foods, create interest and awareness among consumers, guide relevant policies, and encourage our stakeholders to conduct scientific research and innovation on plant-based foods.” ” he said, adding:
“All trends in the food sector indicate that the future lies in plant-based foods. As a major player in the production of plant-based foods, it is crucial for our country not only to benefit from this trend but also to be a driving force behind it.”
Ebru Akdağ, who mentioned that BİTKİDEN will take a leading role in contributing to the regulatory preparations needed for the sustainability of plant-based foods and raising awareness among consumers, said, “With the aim of creating a more visionary organisation on issues concerning public health and the environment; we are embarking on our journey with global expertise as a member of the International Plant-Based Food Working Group (IPBFWG) and the European Association for Plant-Based Foods (EAPF). Our goal is to place plant-based foods at the centre of the food system transformation with a sustainable and scientific approach.”
‘SCIENCE WILL BE OUR COMPASS’
Noting that we are entering a new era in which plant-based foods are being defined globally, Akdağ said, “We are preparing to establish a multidisciplinary scientific committee by bringing together experts from different disciplines to explain the importance of plant-based foods and increase their credibility. We aim to collaborate with financial institutions on sustainability and to guide start-up ventures. Honest competition, science-based impartiality, joint action towards goals, serving the public good, and the search for innovative and effective solutions form the fundamental principles of our association.”
Source: Anayurt Newspaper – https://anayurtgazetesi.com/haber/15406128/gida-sistemi-donusumune-bitki-bazli-yaklasim
