The city of Adana played host to Türkiye’s inaugural summit on social gastronomy in October, an event organised as part of the 8th International Taste of Adana Festival. Supported by the Adana Governor’s Office and in collaboration with the Switzerland-based Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM), the summit addressed vital issues like food sustainability, soil health, irrigation, local farming methods, and the environmental impact of agriculture. International figures, including chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs from Switzerland, the Netherlands, Mexico, the USA, and the Philippines, participated.
Chef Ebru Baybara Demir, the first Turkish chef to win the 2023 Basque Culinary World Prize and a Global Food Hero by UNFAO, coordinated the event. The summit focused on how agriculture can respond to global challenges, promoting sustainable solutions for a better future.
A key feature was the Universal Plate initiative, part of a worldwide SGM effort implemented in 40 countries. In celebration of World Food Day, chefs and participants in Adana prepared and distributed meals to 2,500 people, highlighting the need for equal access to healthy food.
Uniting food sustainability leaders
“Our aim with this summit is to bring together the key figures driving food sustainability—farmers, chefs, scientists, and community leaders—under a single vision. Working alongside the Social Gastronomy Movement allows us to demonstrate how agriculture, food, and social impact are interwoven,” said Ebru Baybara Demir. “I believe this summit will become a key platform for future collaborations, seeking holistic solutions for soil health, food security, and sustainable development.”
With the theme of “Taste of the Soil,” the summit attracted a wide range of attendees, from local farmers to international experts, as well as government officials and students from agricultural universities. The focus was on new ways to tackle agricultural challenges.
Soil health was a primary focus, with discussions emphasising the importance of improving soil quality for sustainable farming. The Çukurova region, known for its fertile soil, was showcased as a model for sustainable agricultural practices that could be adopted worldwide. Water management and efficient irrigation techniques were also discussed, given the effects of climate change and the necessity of conserving water.
Nicola Gryczka, co-founder of SGM, commented, “Food sustainability goes beyond just farming and cooking—it’s about creating a comprehensive ecosystem where every participant has a role to play, from farm to fork. Through education, diversity, and collaboration, we can build resilient food systems that serve everyone.” He continued, “Adana’s Agriculture Summit is just the beginning. We hope this collaboration strengthens efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for food, setting the stage for future partnerships.”
Regional perspectives and plans for the future
Local officials stressed the significance of the summit for the region and its potential impact on agricultural development. Yavuz Selim Köşger, the Governor of Adana, remarked, “Adana’s diverse agricultural output reflects our region’s rich soil. Ensuring a smooth, sustainable chain from soil to plate is our priority.”
Zeydan Karalar, the Mayor of Adana, highlighted the region’s agricultural resources: “Adana is home to some of the world’s most fertile plains, supported by its rivers. As climate change increases agricultural challenges, it is critical to protect our land. Every product must find its worth, and we are committed to making sure that happens.”
For further information about the summit and its initiatives, visit the Taste of Adana Festival’s website.
Contact: Karolin Ergin | O2 İletişim | kergin@o2iletisim.com | 05323845711