Adana recently hosted Türkiye’s inaugural summit on social gastronomy and sustainable agriculture, held in October as part of the 8th International Taste of Adana Festival. Supported by the Adana Governor’s Office and organised in collaboration with the Switzerland-based Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM), the summit focused on food sustainability, soil health, irrigation, and the environmental impact of agriculture. Participants included chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs 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 recognised Global Food Hero by the UNFAO, led the summit. The event aimed to connect international delegates with Çukurova’s local farmers, chefs, and entrepreneurs to discuss practical solutions for addressing the future challenges in agriculture.
A major highlight was the Universal Plate initiative, part of SGM’s global efforts, implemented in 40 countries simultaneously. Celebrating World Food Day, chefs and participants in Adana prepared meals for 2,500 people, joining a worldwide push to ensure access to healthy food for all.
Collaborating for a resilient food system
“Our mission with this summit is to unite the key drivers of food sustainability—farmers, chefs, scientists, and community leaders—under one shared vision. By collaborating with the Social Gastronomy Movement, we want to show how closely agriculture, food, and social impact are linked,” explained Ebru Baybara Demir. “This summit will hopefully become a foundation for future collaborations focused on soil health, food security, and sustainable agricultural development.”
The summit, under the theme “Taste of the Soil,” gathered participants from a range of backgrounds, including local farmers, international experts, government representatives, and agricultural students. Discussions centred on finding new approaches to resolve today’s agricultural challenges.
Key topics included improving soil health for long-term agricultural success. The Çukurova region, known for its fertile soil, was highlighted as a prime example of where sustainable farming practices could be implemented and scaled globally. Water management and irrigation efficiency were also major themes, as experts discussed the effects of climate change and the need to conserve water to sustain agricultural production.
Nicola Gryczka, co-founder of SGM, remarked, “Food sustainability goes beyond farming and cooking; it’s about creating a complete ecosystem where every participant has a role to play, from farm to table. Through collaboration, education, and diversity, we can build food systems that are resilient and benefit all.” He added, “Adana’s Agriculture Summit is just the beginning. We hope this collaboration will help build a more inclusive and sustainable future for food.”
Local insights and future initiatives
Local officials emphasised the summit’s significance for the region and its broader implications for agricultural development. Adana’s Governor, Yavuz Selim Köşger, said, “Adana’s diverse agricultural output reflects the richness of our fertile soil. Ensuring safe, accessible food from soil to fork remains a top priority.”
Zeydan Karalar, Mayor of Adana, added, “Adana has one of the world’s most fertile plains, nourished by its rivers. As climate change creates more challenges for agriculture, it is essential to protect and harness our land. Every product we grow must retain 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
