Adana recently became the centre of Türkiye’s first summit focused on social gastronomy and agriculture, held in October during 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 key issues such as food sustainability, soil health, irrigation, and the environmental challenges faced by agriculture. It attracted participants from across the world, including 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 recognised by the UNFAO as a Global Food Hero, led the event, bringing international and local experts together with farmers, chefs, and entrepreneurs from the Çukurova region. The summit focused on how agriculture can evolve to meet global challenges and provide sustainable solutions for the future.
One of the summit’s key initiatives was the Universal Plate, a project launched by SGM in 40 countries simultaneously. On World Food Day, meals were prepared and distributed to 2,500 people in Adana, joining a global effort to promote access to healthy food.
Building a sustainable food future
“Our goal with this summit is to unite the core actors in food sustainability—farmers, chefs, scientists, and community leaders—under one shared vision. By partnering with the Social Gastronomy Movement, we aim to show how deeply agriculture, food, and social impact are intertwined,” said Ebru Baybara Demir. “I believe this summit will serve as a model for future collaborations focused on soil health, food security, and sustainable agricultural practices.”
Under the theme “Taste of the Soil,” the summit attracted local farmers, international experts, government officials, and agricultural students. The discussions focused on finding innovative approaches to overcome contemporary agricultural challenges.
Soil health and sustainable farming practices were central to the discussions, with the Çukurova region—renowned for its fertile soil—showcased as an ideal location to implement and expand sustainable agricultural practices worldwide. Water management and efficient irrigation were also key topics, as experts highlighted the impact of climate change and the critical need to conserve water.
Nicola Gryczka, co-founder of SGM, remarked, “Sustainability in food goes beyond farming and cooking; it’s about creating an ecosystem where everyone plays a role, from farm to table. Through education, diversity, and collaboration, we can build food systems that are resilient and benefit all.” He added, “Adana’s Agriculture Summit is just the start. We hope this collaboration strengthens efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable food future.”
Local insights and plans for the future
Local leaders underlined the importance of the summit for Adana and its potential for wider agricultural development. Yavuz Selim Köşger, the Governor of Adana, stated, “Adana’s diverse agricultural output demonstrates our fertile soil. Ensuring safe, accessible food from soil to plate is our top priority.”
Zeydan Karalar, Mayor of Adana, spoke of the region’s agricultural strengths: “Adana is home to some of the most fertile plains in the world, enriched by its rivers. As climate change increases risks in agriculture, we must protect and harness our lands. Every product grown must retain its value, and we are committed to ensuring that.”
For more information on the summit and its initiatives, visit the Taste of Adana Festival’s website.
Contact: Karolin Ergin | O2 İletişim | kergin@o2iletisim.com | 05323845711
