Adana hosts Türkiye’s first social gastronomy agriculture summit featuring a global collaboration for sustainable food systems

ADANA, TURKEY. 1st November, 2024 - The 8th International Taste of Adana Festival has made history by hosting Türkiye’s first agriculture summit focused on social gastronomy in October. Held under the auspices of the Adana Governor's Office and organized in collaboration with the Switzerland-based Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM), Çukurova Agriculture Summit tackled various issues related to food sustainability, local farming practices, soil health, irrigation, and the environmental impact of agriculture. It brought together global experts, including chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs, from countries like Switzerland, the Netherlands, Mexico, the USA, and the Philippines.

Chef Ebru Baybara Demir, the first Turkish chef awarded the first prize in the 2023 Basque Culinary World Prize, and recognized as a Global Food Hero by UNFAO, coordinated the event, bringing international delegates to engage with the farmers, chefs, and entrepreneurs of Çukurova. The summit aimed to foster dialogue on how agriculture can evolve to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world, focusing on practical solutions for a sustainable future.

The event featured a variety of discussions and activities, with one of the highlights being the Universal Plate initiative that SGM members are implemented simultaneously in 40 countries around the world. As part of World Food Day celebrations, chefs and participants prepared and distributed meals to 2,500 people in Adana, joining 40 countries worldwide in emphasizing the importance of equal access to healthy food.

“Our mission with this summit is to unite the key drivers of food sustainability—farmers, chefs, scientists, and community leaders—under a common vision. By collaborating with the Social Gastronomy Movement, we are showing that agriculture, food, and social impact are deeply interconnected,” said Ebru Baybara Demir. “I believe this summit will be a guiding light for future collaborations aimed at finding holistic solutions for soil health, food security, and sustainable development.”

The summit, themed “Taste of the Soil,” brought together participants from all walks of life, including local farmers, international experts, ministries and local governments representatives, and students from agricultural faculties. The aim was to explore new solutions for the agricultural challenges of today and tomorrow.

Key topics included soil health and sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and improving soil quality for long-term success. The Çukurova region, known for its fertile lands, was highlighted as an ideal location to implement and showcase sustainable farming practices that can be replicated worldwide. Water management and efficient use of irrigation systems were also central discussions, as experts underscored the impact of global warming and the need to optimize water resources to sustain crop yields.

Nicola Gryczka, co-founder of SGM, noted, “The sustainability of food goes beyond farming and cooking—it’s about creating an ecosystem where everyone has a role to play, from the field to the plate. Through education, diversity, solidarity and collaboration, we can build resilient food systems that serve all.” “Adana’s Agriculture Summit is the start of a journey. We hope this collaboration strengthens our efforts to build an inclusive and sustainable future for food, laying the groundwork for future initiatives and partnerships,” he concluded.

Local leaders also emphasized the summit’s importance for the region and its potential for broader agricultural development. Yavuz Selim Köşger, Governor of Adana, echoed these sentiments: “Adana’s diverse agricultural output is a testament to our region's fertile soil. Ensuring safe and accessible food through a seamless chain from soil to fork is our priority.”

Zeydan Karalar, Mayor of Adana, commented on the significance of Adana’s agricultural landscape: “Adana has one of the world’s most fertile plains, enriched by its rivers. In a time when climate change is increasing risks in agriculture, the key is to harness and protect our lands. Every product grown must find its value, and we are committed to ensuring that.”

For further information about the summit and its initiatives, visit the Taste of Adana Festival’s website.

Contact: Karolin Ergin| O2 İletişim I kergin@o2iletisim.com I 05323845711