Institu information

Alata Horticultural Research Institute established in 1967 however its history goes far back. As an organisation, Alata has been carrying out training, research and production activities with different names and organisational structures according to changing national and national situations under the authorities of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs since 1944. The Institute established on 400 hectare land 35 km. to Mersin and adjacent to Erdemli districts of Mersin where fertile land is scarce and concentrated in the narrow coastal strip. In Mersin Province-East Mediterranean Turkey rapid and unplanned expansion of high-rise building development along ecologically sensitive coastal zone into agricultural land and natural habitat resulted in:

• Irreversible loss of prime agricultural land.

• Shift of agricultural activities into marginal areas

• Loss of biodiversity • Marine pollution

• Accelerating rate of immigration

• Social breakdown

• Financial cost

So there is urgent need incorporate environmental, social economic and organizational issues into agricultural research activities to answer the specific problems of the area and to maintain its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations.

From Mersin to Erdemli Alata Horticultural Research Institute is the last place where its manipulated and natural ecosystems are in balance. The Institute deserves attention not only from agricultural research perspective but also as a whole system. Almost half of The Institutes area are covered by pine trees and maquis vegetation. Alata provides a good habitat for great diversity of flora and fauna including vulnerable, rare, threatened and endangered species. Along some 3500 m. Mediterranean coastline turtles nest and richly vegetated sand dunes are situated. Central Taurus belt on the north contributes its physical and biologic properties.

125 ha. agricultural land maintain cultivated biodiversity of citrus, subtropical horticultural crops, temperate zone fruits, viticulture, floriculture, medicinal plants and forage crops. There is apiculture activities and research as well.

Alata Horticultural Research Institute declared as an I. degree natural side in 09.01.2000. In her future development institute aims integration of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use practices into the agricultural research activities.