The Alata Horticultural Research Institute, initially established within the framework of the "Alata Technical Horticulture School" founded in 1944, came into being as the "Regional Vineyard-Garden Research Institute" on November 2, 1967, by virtue of a decree. Subsequently, on March 1, 1972, the Institute and School were amalgamated, assuming the name "Regional Agricultural Research Institute and Agricultural Vocational School."
Later, on April 9, 1974, the Institute and School underwent a separation once more, leading to the renaming of the Institute as the "Horticultural Research and Education Center." In September of 1981, the Agricultural Vocational School was closed, resulting in the transfer of personnel and assets to the Research Institute.In 1985, the Institute's premises saw the introduction of Educational and Recreational Facilities, which were made available for use.
In accordance with Law No. 3161, which outlines the organization and responsibilities of our Ministry, the Institute underwent a series of name changes that align with the provisions of this law. Pursuant to the directive dated August 1, 1986, which governs the structure and operational principles of our Ministry's research institutions, the Institute was designated as the "Horticultural Research Institute." Subsequently, on February 26, 1998, our organization underwent a name change to become the "Alata Horticultural Research Institute."
In 2011, we merged with the "Tarsus Soil and Water Sources Research Institute," adopting the name "Alata Horticultural Research Station." This move has empowered our work. The "Tarsus Soil and Water Sources Research Institute" has a long history. Starting as the "Alifakı Irrigated Agriculture Experimental Station" on 437 acres of land in 1947, it went through various name changes like the "Tarsus Irrigated Agriculture Research Institute" in 1956, the "Tarsus Research Institute" in 1971, the "Rural Services Tarsus Research Institute" in 1985, and the "Soil and Water Resources Research Institute" in 2005. The year 2011 marked a joint collaboration of these two institutions.
On June 23, 2015, a Cabinet Decree elevated the name of the station to an "Institute," and our institution was officially named the "Alata Horticultural Research Institute Directorate - Mersin." This integration not only expanded the institute's research endeavors but also cemented its position as a prominent player in horticultural research.
