Adana has recently hosted Türkiye’s first summit on social gastronomy and agriculture, which took place in October as part of the 8th International Taste of Adana Festival. Supported by the Adana Governor’s Office and organised in collaboration with the Switzerland-based Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM), the event tackled essential issues surrounding food sustainability, soil health, local farming methods, irrigation, and agriculture’s environmental impact. Experts from countries such as Switzerland, the Netherlands, Mexico, the USA, and the Philippines were in attendance, including chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
The summit was coordinated by Chef Ebru Baybara Demir, the first Turkish chef to win the 2023 Basque Culinary World Prize and a recognised UNFAO Global Food Hero. The event brought together international experts with Çukurova’s local farmers, chefs, and entrepreneurs, with a focus on how agriculture must adapt to meet global challenges and promote sustainability.
A significant highlight of the summit was the Universal Plate initiative, an SGM project launched in 40 countries at once. In celebration of World Food Day, chefs and participants in Adana prepared and distributed meals to 2,500 people, joining global efforts to ensure access to healthy food for all.
Collaboration for food sustainability
“Our mission with this summit is to bring together key figures in food sustainability—farmers, chefs, scientists, and community leaders—around a unified vision. Through our collaboration with the Social Gastronomy Movement, we aim to show how deeply interconnected agriculture, food, and social impact are,” explained Ebru Baybara Demir. “This summit, I believe, will set the stage for future partnerships to address issues such as soil health, food security, and sustainable development.”
The summit’s theme, “Taste of the Soil,” brought together a diverse group of participants, including local farmers, international experts, government officials, and students from agricultural faculties. Discussions centred on finding new ways to address the agricultural challenges of today and tomorrow.
Key topics included soil health and sustainable farming practices, with experts highlighting the importance of maintaining and improving soil quality for long-term agricultural success. The fertile lands of the Çukurova region were identified as an ideal location to implement sustainable farming methods that could be applied globally. Efficient water management and irrigation systems were also central themes, with experts pointing out the critical need to conserve water in the face of climate change.
Nicola Gryczka, SGM’s co-founder, stated, “Sustainability in food goes beyond farming and cooking; it’s about creating an ecosystem where every person has a role, from farm to plate. Through education, diversity, and collaboration, we can build resilient food systems that benefit everyone.” He added, “Adana’s Agriculture Summit is the beginning of a journey. We hope this collaboration strengthens our efforts to create a more inclusive and sustainable food future.”
Regional perspectives and future plans
Regional leaders underscored the summit’s significance for Adana and its broader agricultural potential. Yavuz Selim Köşger, the Governor of Adana, remarked, “Adana’s diverse agricultural production is a testament to our region’s fertile soil. Ensuring a smooth process from soil to plate is our priority.”
Mayor Zeydan Karalar highlighted the region’s agricultural strengths: “Adana has some of the most fertile plains in the world, supported by its rivers. As climate change increases risks to agriculture, it is essential to protect and harness our lands. Every crop must retain its value, and we are committed to making sure this happens.”
For further details on the summit and its initiatives, visit the Taste of Adana Festival’s website.
Contact: Karolin Ergin | O2 İletişim | [email protected] | 05323845711
