Adana recently became the venue for Türkiye’s first summit centred on social gastronomy and agriculture, held as part of the 8th International Taste of Adana Festival in October. Organised by the Adana Governor’s Office and the Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM), the summit addressed essential topics such as sustainable food production, soil health, local farming, irrigation, and agriculture’s environmental impact. The event brought together chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs from across the globe, including participants from Switzerland, the Netherlands, Mexico, the USA, and the Philippines.
Chef Ebru Baybara Demir, the first Turkish chef to win the 2023 Basque Culinary World Prize and a Global Food Hero recognised by the UNFAO, led the event. The summit connected international experts with local farmers, chefs, and entrepreneurs to discuss practical solutions for adapting agriculture to modern challenges and promoting sustainability.
A key moment during the event was the Universal Plate initiative, an SGM-led project implemented simultaneously in 40 countries. Celebrating World Food Day, chefs and participants in Adana prepared and distributed meals to 2,500 people, joining worldwide efforts to promote equal access to healthy food.
Collaborating for sustainable agricultural practices
“Our aim with this summit is to unite the key actors in food sustainability—farmers, chefs, scientists, and community leaders—under a shared vision. By working with the Social Gastronomy Movement, we hope to demonstrate the strong connection between agriculture, food, and social impact,” said Ebru Baybara Demir. “I believe this summit will become a model for future collaborations in soil health, food security, and sustainable agricultural development.”
Themed “Taste of the Soil,” the summit gathered participants from various backgrounds, including local farmers, international experts, government officials, and students. Discussions focused on finding new approaches to the agricultural challenges of the future.
Key topics included soil health, with an emphasis on improving soil quality for sustainable agriculture. The Çukurova region, renowned for its fertile soil, was presented as an ideal location for demonstrating sustainable farming practices that could be applied globally. Water management and irrigation were also central themes, particularly as experts highlighted the effects of climate change and the critical need to conserve water.
Nicola Gryczka, co-founder of SGM, remarked, “Food sustainability goes beyond farming and cooking; it’s about creating an ecosystem where everyone plays a role, from farm to plate. Through collaboration, education, and solidarity, we can build resilient food systems that benefit all communities.” He added, “Adana’s Agriculture Summit is only the beginning. We hope this collaboration will help pave the way for future initiatives focused on building a more inclusive and sustainable food future.”
Local insights and future plans
Local officials emphasised the importance of the summit for the region and its potential to impact wider agricultural development. Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger commented, “Adana’s diverse agricultural output reflects our fertile soil. Ensuring a seamless process from soil to table remains our top priority.”
Mayor Zeydan Karalar highlighted the region’s agricultural resources: “Adana is home to some of the most fertile plains in the world, enriched by its rivers. As climate change creates additional risks for agriculture, we must protect and make the most of our lands. Every product grown must retain its value, and we are committed to ensuring that.”
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