Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The Symposium for Increasing Whole Wheat Bread Consumption was held at the Ankara Rixos Hotel, organized jointly with many institutions and establishments by the Ankara Municipality Public Bread Factory.

Speaking at the symposium, TOBB Board Deputy President and Ankara Commodity Exchange President Faik Yavuz stated that they had formed a new vision for Ankara, as a city of agriculture.

- Food, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Mehdi Eker

Food, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Mehdi Eker stated in his speech that they are providing incentives for whole wheat bread, one of which is the bread official declaration published as a part of the 102 clause official declaration in January regarding food safety.

Stating that Turkey’s wheat production in 2011 was 21.8 million tons, Eker stated that Turkey wheat flour exports have been ranked either the 1st or 2nd in the world and that Turkey is the highest wheat flour selling country in the world.

- Ankara Chamber of Industry (ASO) President Nurettin Özdebir

TOBB Industry Chambers Council and Ankara Chamber of Industry (ASO) President Nurettin Özdebir stated that they have observed that white bread isn’t altogether such a healthy option and went on, “If we can go back to the black bread used back in the countryside, we will be able to both save money and provide our people with a healthier diet.”

At the beginning of the meeting, Özdebir stated that increasing whole bread consumption is a return to older values, an awakening and a habit of savings.

- Other speakers

Also making speeches at the symposium were Ankara Mayor Alaaddin Yüksel, Gazi University Rector Prof. Dr. Rıza Ayhan, and the Public Bread Factory General Director and Regulation Committee President Ali İlkbahar.