Adana recently hosted Türkiye’s first summit centred on social gastronomy and sustainable agriculture. Held in October during the 8th International Taste of Adana Festival, the event was organised under the support of the Adana Governor’s Office and in collaboration with the Switzerland-based Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM). The summit addressed crucial issues like food sustainability, soil health, irrigation, and agriculture’s environmental impact, with participants including chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs from countries such as 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 UNFAO, led the summit. The event brought together international experts and local farmers, chefs, and entrepreneurs from the Çukurova region, with a focus on finding sustainable solutions for the global challenges facing agriculture today.
One highlight of the event was the Universal Plate initiative, an SGM-led project launched in 40 countries simultaneously. On World Food Day, meals were prepared and distributed to 2,500 people in Adana, joining a global effort to ensure access to nutritious food for everyone.
Collaborating for sustainable food systems
“Our aim with this summit is to bring together the key figures driving food sustainability—farmers, chefs, scientists, and community leaders—under a shared vision. By working with the Social Gastronomy Movement, we hope to demonstrate the interconnectedness of agriculture, food, and social impact,” said Ebru Baybara Demir. “This summit, I believe, will set the stage for future collaborations focused on soil health, food security, and sustainable agricultural development.”
The summit, themed “Taste of the Soil,” attracted a wide range of participants, including local farmers, international experts, government representatives, and students from agricultural faculties. Discussions focused on finding new approaches to overcoming agricultural challenges and improving practices for the future.
Soil health was a central topic, with experts highlighting the importance of improving soil quality for sustainable agriculture. The fertile lands of the Çukurova region were showcased as an ideal location for implementing and expanding sustainable farming practices globally. Water management and efficient irrigation techniques were also key discussion points, especially in light of climate change and the need to conserve water resources.
Nicola Gryczka, co-founder of SGM, commented, “Food sustainability is about more than farming and cooking; it’s about building an ecosystem where everyone plays a role, from farm to plate. Through education, diversity, and collaboration, we can create resilient food systems that benefit all communities.” He added, “Adana’s Agriculture Summit marks the beginning of a journey. We hope this collaboration will strengthen efforts to create a more inclusive and sustainable food future.”
Local perspectives and future direction
Regional officials highlighted the significance of the summit for the region and its broader impact on agriculture. Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger of Adana commented, “Adana’s diverse agricultural output is a testament to our fertile soil. Ensuring safe, accessible food through a seamless process from soil to plate remains our top priority.”
Adana’s Mayor, Zeydan Karalar, reflected on the region’s agricultural assets: “Adana is home to some of the most fertile plains in the world, enriched by its rivers. As climate change presents new challenges for agriculture, it’s essential to protect and make the most of our lands. Every product must retain its value, and we are committed to ensuring this.”
For more details on the summit and its initiatives, visit the Taste of Adana Festival’s website.
Contact: Karolin Ergin | O2 İletişim | kergin@o2iletisim.com | 05323845711