Adana recently hosted Türkiye’s first summit dedicated to agriculture and social gastronomy, a milestone event as part of the 8th International Taste of Adana Festival. Organised with the support of the Adana Governor’s Office and in collaboration with the Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM), based in Switzerland, the summit addressed key topics surrounding sustainable food production, local farming practices, soil health, irrigation methods, and the environmental impact of agriculture. Experts from across the globe, including chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs from countries such as Switzerland, the Netherlands, Mexico, the USA, and the Philippines, gathered to share insights.
Chef Ebru Baybara Demir, known for her first-place win in the 2023 Basque Culinary World Prize and recognised as a Global Food Hero by the UNFAO, led the event, bringing together international guests with Çukurova’s local farming community, chefs, and entrepreneurs. The discussions focused on how agriculture must evolve to address modern challenges, aiming to promote practical strategies for a sustainable future.
One key feature of the event was the Universal Plate initiative, part of SGM’s global efforts, simultaneously executed in 40 countries. Celebrating World Food Day, chefs and participants prepared and distributed meals to 2,500 individuals in Adana, underscoring the importance of equal access to nutritious food.
A united vision for food sustainability
“The purpose of this summit is to unite the main contributors to food sustainability—farmers, chefs, scientists, and community leaders—around a shared vision. Through collaboration with the Social Gastronomy Movement, we aim to demonstrate how food, agriculture, and social impact are interconnected,” explained Ebru Baybara Demir. “I am confident this summit will act as a guiding light for future partnerships, aiming to address holistic solutions for soil health, food security, and sustainable development.”
The summit, under the theme “Taste of the Soil,” brought together diverse participants, including local farmers, international experts, government officials, and agricultural students. The goal was to discuss new approaches to the agricultural challenges of the future.
Key topics included the importance of maintaining soil health for sustainable agriculture. The Çukurova region, known for its rich soils, was presented as an ideal example of where sustainable practices could be implemented and replicated globally. Efficient water management and irrigation systems were also central points of discussion, as experts emphasised the effects of climate change and the critical need to conserve water to ensure crop productivity.
Nicola Gryczka, SGM’s co-founder, commented, “Sustainability in food goes far beyond farming and cooking; it involves creating an ecosystem where each individual plays a role, from farm to table. Through education, diversity, solidarity, and collaboration, we can build food systems that are resilient and serve all communities.” He further noted, “Adana’s Agriculture Summit is just the beginning. We hope this collaborative effort enhances our mission to build an inclusive and sustainable food future, laying the groundwork for future initiatives and partnerships.”
Local insights and plans for the future
Local officials stressed the summit’s significance for the region and its broader implications for agricultural development. Adana’s Governor, Yavuz Selim Köşger, remarked, “Adana’s wide-ranging agricultural output is proof of our region’s rich soil. Ensuring safe and accessible food through a consistent process from soil to table remains our priority.”
Adana’s Mayor, Zeydan Karalar, reflected on the region’s agricultural advantages: “Adana is home to some of the most fertile plains in the world, thanks to its rivers. With climate change intensifying challenges in agriculture, it is vital that we safeguard and optimise our lands. Every product we grow must hold its value, and we are committed to ensuring this.”
For further details on the summit and its initiatives, visit the Taste of Adana Festival’s website.
Contact: Karolin Ergin | O2 İletişim | kergin@o2iletisim.com | 05323845711