Adana recently hosted Türkiye’s first summit dedicated to social gastronomy and agriculture as part of the 8th International Taste of Adana Festival in October. Organised under the support of the Adana Governor’s Office in collaboration with the Switzerland-based Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM), the summit explored vital themes such as sustainable food production, local farming, soil health, irrigation, and the environmental challenges facing agriculture. Participants included global experts, chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs from countries like Switzerland, the Netherlands, Mexico, the USA, and the Philippines.
Chef Ebru Baybara Demir, the first Turkish chef to win the prestigious 2023 Basque Culinary World Prize and recognised as a Global Food Hero by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), led the summit, bringing international guests together with Çukurova’s local farming community, chefs, and entrepreneurs. The event focused on how agriculture can meet today’s global challenges and proposed sustainable solutions for the future.
A key element of the summit was the Universal Plate initiative, a project launched by SGM in 40 countries at the same time. On World Food Day, meals were prepared and distributed to 2,500 people in Adana, joining worldwide efforts to ensure access to healthy food for all.
Bringing together experts in sustainable agriculture
“Our aim with this summit is to unite the core players in food sustainability—farmers, chefs, scientists, and community leaders—around a common goal. Working with the Social Gastronomy Movement allows us to show how agriculture, food, and social change are deeply connected,” explained Ebru Baybara Demir. “I believe this summit will serve as a model for future collaborations aimed at finding holistic solutions for soil health, food security, and sustainable agriculture.”
Themed “Taste of the Soil,” the summit brought together a diverse group of participants, including local farmers, international experts, government officials, and agricultural students. The event addressed solutions for current agricultural challenges and focused on improving practices for the future.
Key issues included soil health and sustainability, with discussions highlighting the importance of maintaining soil quality for long-term agricultural success. The Çukurova region, known for its fertile lands, was identified as an ideal example of where sustainable farming practices could be developed and scaled globally. Water management and efficient irrigation systems were also central topics, with experts recognising the impact of climate change and the need to optimise water resources to ensure crop yields.
Nicola Gryczka, co-founder of SGM, remarked, “Food sustainability goes beyond farming and cooking—it involves creating a complete ecosystem where everyone has a role to play, from the field to the plate. Through collaboration, education, diversity, and solidarity, we can build resilient food systems that benefit all.” He added, “Adana’s Agriculture Summit is just the beginning. We hope this partnership strengthens our efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable food future, paving the way for new initiatives and collaborations.”
Local insights and future direction
Regional leaders underlined the significance of the summit for the area and its potential to influence wider agricultural development. Yavuz Selim Köşger, Governor of Adana, noted, “Adana’s diverse agricultural production highlights our fertile soil. Ensuring safe and accessible food, from soil to plate, remains our priority.”
Adana’s Mayor, Zeydan Karalar, reflected on the region’s agricultural potential: “Adana has some of the most fertile plains in the world, fed by its rivers. With climate change creating new challenges in agriculture, protecting and harnessing our land is essential. Every product we grow must retain its value, and we are dedicated to ensuring this.”
For more information on the summit and its initiatives, visit the Taste of Adana Festival’s website.
Contact: Karolin Ergin | O2 İletişim | [email protected] | 05323845711
