Adana has made history by hosting Türkiye’s first agriculture summit focused on social gastronomy, which took place in October as part of the 8th International Taste of Adana Festival. Organised by the Adana Governor’s Office and the Switzerland-based Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM), the summit addressed essential topics like food sustainability, soil health, irrigation practices, and the environmental impact of agriculture. The event featured participants from across the globe, including chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs from countries such as 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, who is also recognised by the UNFAO as a Global Food Hero. Her efforts brought international delegates together with local farmers, chefs, and entrepreneurs from Çukurova, focusing on how agriculture can evolve to tackle modern challenges and offering practical solutions for a more sustainable future.
One highlight was the Universal Plate initiative, a global project by SGM that was implemented in 40 countries. On World Food Day, chefs and participants prepared and distributed meals to 2,500 people in Adana, joining worldwide efforts to ensure equal access to nutritious food.
Uniting leaders in food sustainability
“Our aim with this summit is to bring together the leading figures in food sustainability—farmers, chefs, scientists, and community leaders—under one shared vision. Partnering with the Social Gastronomy Movement allows us to demonstrate how agriculture, food, and social impact are closely linked,” said Ebru Baybara Demir. “I believe this summit will become a blueprint for future collaborations aimed at addressing soil health, food security, and sustainable development.”
The summit, themed “Taste of the Soil,” brought together a diverse group of participants, including local farmers, international experts, government officials, and agricultural students. The discussions focused on finding new approaches to overcome contemporary agricultural challenges.
Key issues discussed included soil health and sustainable farming, with experts stressing the need to improve soil quality for long-term success. The fertile Çukurova region was presented as a model location for developing sustainable farming practices that could be applied worldwide. Efficient water management and irrigation were also central themes, as the effects of climate change and the need for water conservation were highlighted.
Nicola Gryczka, SGM’s co-founder, said, “Sustainability in food is about more than just farming and cooking—it’s about creating an ecosystem where everyone has a role to play, from farm to plate. Through education, diversity, solidarity, and collaboration, we can build food systems that are resilient and benefit everyone.” He added, “Adana’s Agriculture Summit is just the start. We hope this collaboration will strengthen our efforts to build an inclusive and sustainable food future, laying the foundation for future partnerships.”
Regional perspectives and future plans
Local leaders emphasised the summit’s importance for Adana and its potential to influence broader agricultural development. Adana’s Governor, Yavuz Selim Köşger, commented, “Adana’s diverse agricultural output demonstrates our fertile soil. Ensuring safe and accessible food, from soil to fork, is our top priority.”
Mayor Zeydan Karalar also spoke on the value of the region’s agricultural land: “Adana has one of the world’s most fertile plains, enriched by its rivers. As climate change increases agricultural risks, the key is to protect and harness our lands. Every product must retain its value, and we are committed to ensuring that.”
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
