Do you dream of farming? Are you looking to start a new life? Farming – 101 serves as a roadmap for anyone aspiring to become a farmer.
Coşkun Yıldırım wrote the book Farming – 101: Can I Really Be a Farmer? to guide those who want to escape the hustle of city life and build a new way of living. We spoke with Yıldırım about the story behind the book.
“I was a man who, 18 years ago, lived in the city, and for me, tomatoes and peppers only came together in a menemen,” he says. “The 2001 economic crisis turned my life upside down. At that time, I was inspired by Shams-i Tebrizi’s saying, ‘Who knows if the upside of life is not better than the downside?’ It became very relevant to me. My path crossed with Tülin Akın, who founded a social enterprise believing that technology could improve agricultural productivity and profitability, ultimately enhancing farmers’ quality of life. Combining my project management experience with her goal-oriented approach, since 2004, our teams at Tabit, alongside numerous partners, have focused on identifying and solving problems across the entire agriculture and food supply chain.
During the pandemic, people stuck in big cities began questioning the chaos and considered investing in rural life. Even before the pandemic, we had gained experience advising businesspeople interested in agricultural investment. Farming is not just about planting, watering, and harvesting—it’s a way of life. Decisions need family support, as their views strongly affect the sustainability of the venture. Farming – 101 was written to prevent city dwellers from losing their money, time, and most importantly, hope, while offering a clear roadmap for those who feel farming is right for them.”
What Will Readers Learn?
Readers will learn how to choose the right land for investment, understand legal permits, navigate bureaucracy step by step, and gain insights into agricultural productivity, profitability, risk management, and product marketing. Farming – 101 has become a must-read guide for anyone looking to step into rural life and agriculture.
“Invest with Minimal Costs”
Yıldırım offers five tips for white-collar professionals dreaming of becoming farmers:
- Assess carefully whether farming is truly suitable for you.
- Share your dreams and plans with your spouse, partner, children, and close circle; listen carefully to their input, take notes, and evaluate.
- Make a shortlist of locations to find the most suitable place to pursue your dream.
- Plan your budget carefully. Initially, invest only with your own resources; if needed, consider borrowing from the third year onward.
- Make your investment with minimal expenses. Start living and producing, and revise your plans as you go to continue developing your farm.