Azerbaijan is preparing for a major event addressing the global concern of climate change. The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 24 this year. Prior to this event, Baku hosted two important organizations. The first was the Baku leg of Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition 2024 World Tour. The second was the 3rd IAOM Eurasia Conference and Exhibition, organized by the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Eurasia Region in Baku.

Azerbaijan holds great significance for the agriculture sector due to its strategic location and strong fraternal ties with Türkiye. As a key transit point in Central Asia, Azerbaijan serves as a critical trade bridge between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, connecting Asia with Europe. This strategic position not only facilitates the efficient delivery of grains and agricultural products to international markets but also significantly contributes to the region’s food security.

Climate change continues to be one of the biggest threats affecting agricultural production and the food supply chain directly. Rising temperatures, drought, and logistical challenges are just a few of the significant issues the industry faces. Increasing energy efficiency and transitioning to renewable energy sources are no longer a choice but a necessity. Amid this situation, Azerbaijan has recently hosted several important events.

Conference of the Parties (COP29), which will address many key issues related to climate change, including the latest developments in the fight against global warming, will be held in Baku from November 11 to 24 this year.. 

Before this major event, I had the opportunity to attend the Baku leg of the Dr. Eckel 2024 World Tour, where concerns for the future and ongoing efforts were discussed. Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition kicked off the 2024 World Tour in Baku with an inspiring conference. The event brought together over 100 professionals from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, marking the beginning of an exciting series focused on the future of sustainable animal production. 

The event was not only a platform for the latest presentations but also an opportunity for participants to engage in lively discussions, making it a unique and memorable experience. Participants contributed to vibrant discussions emphasizing the importance of sustainability in the livestock sector. The World Tour conference offered a rare opportunity to witness forward-thinking innovations that will shape the future of livestock. According to feedback, insights shared on phytogenics, in particular, provided strategic insights that will undoubtedly contribute to future success.

The event’s significance was further highlighted by the participation of Tarlan Asgarov, Head of the Livestock Organization and Monitoring Department at the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Heiko Schwarz, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in Azerbaijan, and Aytekin Sirayzade, Acting Executive Director of the German-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce. Their involvement underscored the potential for greater exchange and partnership between both countries for the future success of their agriculture and economic sectors.

Tarlan Asgarov expressed his happiness about the Baku leg of the Dr. Eckel 2024 World Tour, stating, “Azerbaijan has very little agricultural land and a significant need for feed for livestock nutrition. We are facing a shortage of feed. I hope this conference will help address the country’s feed shortage. The Azerbaijani government provides substantial support for livestock, and we offer significant incentives for investments in this field.”

Speaking on the future of livestock production, Dr. Viktor Eckel, CEO of Dr. Eckel, emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability into corporate strategies. Eckel’s clear message was that this is the key to ensuring long-term success in the livestock sector.

Emeritus professor Dr. Wilhelm Windisch from the Technical University of Munich gave an engaging lecture titled “Can We Do Without Livestock?” In his presentation, Windisch explained why circular economy principles are essential for feeding the growing world population in a sustainable and safe manner. He emphasized that the climate crisis is pushing humanity towards prioritizing essential products. 

Dr. Wilhelm Windisch warned, “The growing population is leading to the overuse and exhaustion of land that feeds people. In the 1970s, an area the size of a football field could feed 3 people, but today that same area has to feed 4 people. By 2050, with the world population expected to reach 10 billion and the impact of the climate crisis, a football field-sized area will have to feed 5.5 people, or nearly 6 individuals.”

Dr. Bernhard Eckel, Vice President of Dr. Eckel, gave a presentation on the use of Anta®Phyt, which provided detailed insights into the benefits of the company’s flagship phytogenic product and demonstrated how Anta®Phyt can improve production performance while ensuring sustainability. 

LOOKING AHEAD FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

The success of the Baku event marked a promising start to the Dr. Eckel 2024 World Tour. Reflecting on the event, Dr. Viktor Eckel said, “The idea behind the World Tour series is to create a platform for global collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation. We are incredibly grateful to have hosted such a magnificent event in Baku. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our participants, distinguished guests, and the wonderful country of Azerbaijan for making this event a tremendous success.”

Following the Baku event, the Dr. Eckel 2024 World Tour will continue in Mexico and Germany, further promoting sustainability and resilience in animal nutrition worldwide.

3rd IAOM Eurasia Conference receives strong engagement

One of the significant events in the sector held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, was the 3rd IAOM Eurasia Conference and Exhibition. The International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Eurasia Regional Presidency organized the “3rd IAOM Eurasia Conference and Exhibition” in Baku with the theme “Sustainable Food Security in a Changing Climate,” parallel to the COP29 Climate Change Conference. The conference, which focused on “Sustainable Food Security in a Changing Climate,” attracted participants from Central and Eastern Europe, the Baltic States, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and other Central Asian republics. The event was attended by Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov, as well as representatives from NGOs and the sector from both Turkey and Azerbaijan.

The conference and exhibition brought together numerous stakeholders from various sectors, including grain, flour, and pasta producers, along with suppliers and vendors of milling machines, laboratory equipment, and components. Additionally, traders, baked goods companies, industrial bakers, research institutes, and colleges and universities were also in attendance.

“There are 600 factories in Türkiye”

Speaking at the conference, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı said, “I would like to thank my esteemed brother Majnun Mammadov and the representatives of Azerbaijan for hosting this event.

We are in a process characterized by global economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and revolutionary technological transformation, particularly with the effects of global warming and climate change being most acutely felt in water and agriculture. Within this context, food supply security, especially for milling products, is a strategic area for all countries. Looking at the trade volume of milling products globally, we can see that there has been an increase of about 40% over the past five years. In 2023, the trade volume has reached approximately 60 billion dollars.”

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı stated, “Milling is a sector with deep historical roots in our country, typically passed down within families. Today, many of our millers here have taken up the mantle as the third or fourth generation. We see this as a significant advantage. The Turkish milling sector, which concluded 2022 with exports of around 2 billion dollars, managed to close 2023 with a figure exceeding 1.9 billion dollars, despite global economic tightening and wars. We firmly believe that the sector will break historical records by the end of 2024. Türkiye’s annual flour production capacity is approximately 32 million tons, with 45-50% of that capacity being utilized. In 2023, around 15 million tons of flour were produced for domestic use and export purposes. I would like to especially emphasize that Türkiye is currently ranked first in the world for flour exports and second for pasta exports. As of 2023, Türkiye dominates approximately 23% of the global flour market, which means that one in every four flour packages bears a Turkish signature.”

The role of grains in nutrition will always continue

IAOM Eurasia President Dr. Eren Günhan Ulusoy stated, “At this year’s conference, we want to emphasize that sustainability is critical not only for the public good but also for enhancing the competitiveness of businesses. There will be a significant increase in food demand parallel to the projected growth in the world population over the next 30 years, and to meet this demand, food production must also increase by 70%. Over the years, the daily required calorie intake has also increased. According to FAO data, while the share of grain products in total calories and protein is decreasing in developed countries, grains still maintain their importance as a primary energy source in developing countries. In developed countries, this ratio is between 25-35%, whereas in developing countries, grains meet up to 60-70% of daily energy needs. As can be seen from these data, contrary to the perception that there is a shift away from bread and baked goods, it is clear that grains have maintained their value as a source of carbohydrates for energy in human nutrition for centuries and will continue to do so.”

Azerbaijan’s self-sufficiency in wheat will increase

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Agriculture, Mecnun Memmedov, spoke about the issues facing the agricultural sector due to climate change. Explaining the support provided by Azerbaijan to its agricultural sector, Memmedov stated, “Azerbaijan meets 58% of its wheat needs domestically. Recently, especially thanks to the establishment of large grain farms based on public-private partnerships and the implementation of modern technologies, as well as the liberation of our occupied territories, new opportunities have arisen to further increase the country’s self-sufficiency in wheat.”

Emphasizing the importance of increasing food production, Memmedov said, “In the changing world, I call for the establishment of sustainable agricultural activities, the protection of natural resources and the environment, and the adoption of fundamental principles for access to healthy food.”