Taşarası WEFE Nexus Demonstration Site Plant Growth Update

Notizie

Taşarası WEFE Nexus Demonstration Site Plant Growth Update

Ottobre 13, 2026

Recent photographs from the Frontier Agriculture Taşarası Village Project show continued plant development and active crop care at the FrontAg Nexus demonstration site in Havran, Balıkesir, Türkiye.

Led by EUROSOLAR Türkiye, the demonstration case explores how climate-smart agricultural technologies can support food production, renewable energy generation, resource efficiency and local development through an integrated Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems approach.

Visible progress across different crops

The latest photographs show established vegetation across the greenhouse growing systems. Lettuce and other leafy vegetables have developed substantial biomass, chard displays considerable vegetative growth, and flowering eggplants demonstrate the progression of fruit-bearing crops under controlled cultivation conditions.

Differences in plant development provide practical information for refining nutrient supply, environmental parameters and cultivation practices according to the needs of individual crops. This ongoing observation is an important part of transforming a demonstration system into useful knowledge for farmers and other potential adopters.

Combining agricultural heritage with modern cultivation

An important feature of the Taşarası demonstration case is the cultivation of heirloom seeds in cooperation with the Ata Tohum Takas Derneği, the Heirloom Seed Exchange Association. Earlier project monitoring documented 280 heirloom-seed-derived plants cultivated through deep-water culture and media-bed hydroponic techniques.

Testing traditional seed varieties under modern cultivation conditions connects local agricultural heritage with innovative and resource-efficient food-production methods. Regular observation and hands-on crop management help document performance and identify the conditions required for different varieties to thrive.

Connecting water energy food and ecosystems

Taşarası is more than a greenhouse. The broader demonstration case has explored interconnected solutions including hydroponics, aquaponics, vermicomposting, insect-based fish-feed production and renewable-energy generation. These components illustrate how resources can be managed as parts of one connected agricultural system.

The agrivoltaic component combines crop production with photovoltaic electricity generation on the same land. Its 14.04 kWp pilot system uses elevated bifacial photovoltaic modules designed to generate clean energy while retaining the space beneath for agricultural production. This dual-use approach can improve land-use efficiency and contribute to the resilience of Mediterranean farming systems facing heat, water scarcity and pressure on available land.

From demonstration to local value

The Taşarası demonstration case aims to support more efficient land and resource use while creating opportunities for local farmers, engineers, environmental organisations and the wider village community. Combining agricultural production with renewable energy can help reduce operating costs, diversify income and strengthen rural resilience.

The recent images provide a tangible view of this work in progress: plants are developing, management experience is being generated, and climate-smart agricultural solutions are being tested under real local conditions.

Disclaimer

This publication reflects the views of the author only. The European Commission and PRIMA Foundation cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.