Adana became the venue for Türkiye’s inaugural agriculture summit centred on social gastronomy this October, as part of the 8th International Taste of Adana Festival. The summit, held under the auspices of the Adana Governor’s Office and in collaboration with the Switzerland-based Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM), tackled key topics such as food sustainability, local farming techniques, soil health, irrigation, and agriculture’s environmental impact. It gathered global figures, including chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs, from countries such as Switzerland, the Netherlands, Mexico, the USA, and the Philippines.
Coordinated by Chef Ebru Baybara Demir, the first Turkish chef to win the 2023 Basque Culinary World Prize and recognised as a UNFAO Global Food Hero, the summit provided a platform for international and local experts to explore how agriculture can address the challenges of a changing world, while encouraging sustainable solutions.
A key event was the Universal Plate initiative, part of a global SGM project implemented in 40 countries. To celebrate World Food Day, chefs and participants prepared and served meals to 2,500 people in Adana, joining global efforts to promote equal access to healthy food.
Collaborating for a sustainable food future
“Our mission with this summit is to bring together the main actors of food sustainability—farmers, chefs, scientists, and community leaders—around a shared vision. By working with the Social Gastronomy Movement, we aim to demonstrate how deeply interconnected agriculture, food, and social impact are,” said Ebru Baybara Demir. “I believe this summit will serve as a blueprint for future collaborations aimed at creating holistic solutions for soil health, food security, and sustainable development.”
The summit, themed “Taste of the Soil,” gathered a wide array of participants, including local farmers, international experts, government representatives, and agricultural students. It aimed to explore innovative approaches to overcoming current agricultural challenges.
One of the primary topics was soil health, with experts discussing ways to improve soil quality for long-term farming success. The fertile lands of the Çukurova region were highlighted as an ideal place for showcasing sustainable farming practices that could be applied worldwide. Water management and irrigation efficiency were also key discussions, as the impact of climate change and the need to conserve water were acknowledged as critical issues.
Nicola Gryczka, co-founder of SGM, remarked, “The sustainability of food extends beyond farming and cooking—it’s about creating an ecosystem where every person has a role to play, from farm to plate. Through education, diversity, solidarity, 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 collective efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable food future, paving the way for future initiatives and partnerships.”
Local perspectives and plans for the future
Local officials underscored the summit’s importance for the region and its potential to influence broader agricultural development. Yavuz Selim Köşger, the Governor of Adana, noted, “Adana’s diverse agricultural production is proof of our region’s fertile soil. Ensuring safe and accessible food from soil to table is our top priority.”
Zeydan Karalar, Mayor of Adana, highlighted the significance of the region’s agricultural resources: “Adana is home to some of the world’s most fertile plains, enriched by its rivers. As climate change increases the risks to agriculture, we must protect and harness our lands. Every crop must hold its value, and we are committed to making sure that happens.”
For further information about the summit and its initiatives, please visit the Taste of Adana Festival’s website.
Contact: Karolin Ergin | O2 İletişim | kergin@o2iletisim.com | 05323845711
