Adana recently made headlines by hosting Türkiye’s first-ever summit on social gastronomy and agriculture in October, part of the 8th International Taste of Adana Festival. Organised under the guidance of the Adana Governor’s Office and the Switzerland-based Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM), the event focused on food sustainability, local farming practices, soil health, irrigation methods, and agriculture’s environmental footprint. The summit drew international attendees, including chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs from countries like Switzerland, the Netherlands, Mexico, the USA, and the Philippines.
The summit was led by Chef Ebru Baybara Demir, the first Turkish chef to win the 2023 Basque Culinary World Prize and recognised by the UNFAO as a Global Food Hero. The event brought together international delegates with local farmers, chefs, and entrepreneurs from Çukurova, aiming to address the future of agriculture and offer sustainable solutions to global challenges.
One notable initiative during the summit was the Universal Plate, a project launched by SGM and implemented simultaneously in 40 countries. Celebrating World Food Day, chefs and participants in Adana prepared and distributed meals to 2,500 people, joining global efforts to promote equal access to nutritious food.
A shared vision for sustainable food systems
“Our objective with this summit is to unite the key players in food sustainability—farmers, chefs, scientists, and community leaders—under a single vision. Partnering with the Social Gastronomy Movement demonstrates the deep connection between agriculture, food, and social change,” explained Ebru Baybara Demir. “I believe this summit will be a foundation for future collaborations focused on addressing soil health, food security, and sustainable agricultural development.”
Themed “Taste of the Soil,” the summit brought together a diverse range of participants, from local farmers and international experts to government officials and students from agricultural faculties. The discussions aimed to tackle today’s agricultural challenges and find forward-looking solutions.
Among the main topics discussed was soil health and its significance for sustainable farming. The Çukurova region, renowned for its fertile lands, was highlighted as an example of where sustainable practices could be implemented and scaled globally. Water management and efficient irrigation methods were also key points of discussion, as experts underscored the effects of climate change and the need to conserve water to sustain crop production.
Nicola Gryczka, co-founder of SGM, noted, “Food sustainability extends beyond farming and cooking; it’s about creating an ecosystem where each person has a role, from the farm to the table. By fostering education, diversity, and collaboration, we can build resilient food systems that serve everyone.” He added, “Adana’s Agriculture Summit marks the start of a journey. We hope this collaboration strengthens our efforts to create a more inclusive and sustainable food future, laying the groundwork for future initiatives.”
Local perspectives and future goals
Local officials stressed the importance of the summit for Adana and its potential to inspire wider agricultural developments. Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger noted, “Adana’s diverse agricultural output is proof of the region’s fertile soil. Ensuring safe and accessible food from soil to fork remains a key priority.”
Mayor Zeydan Karalar spoke about the importance of Adana’s agricultural landscape: “Adana has one of the most fertile plains in the world, enriched by its rivers. As climate change increases risks for agriculture, it is essential to protect and harness our lands. Every crop grown 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
