A groundbreaking event unfolded in Adana as Türkiye hosted its first social gastronomy and agriculture summit.
- The summit was part of the 8th International Taste of Adana Festival, supported by local authorities.
- Global experts and local stakeholders focused on sustainable food systems and agricultural innovation.
- The Universal Plate initiative highlighted the importance of equal access to nutritious food.
- Local leaders underscored the significance of the summit for regional agricultural development.
In an unprecedented move, Türkiye hosted its first summit focused on merging the fields of social gastronomy and agriculture in the culturally rich city of Adana. This significant event was organised as part of the 8th International Taste of Adana Festival, under the auspices of the Adana Governor’s Office and in partnership with the Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM) from Switzerland. Delving into the core of sustainable food production, the summit addressed essential topics such as local farming methods, soil health, water management, and the ecological effects of agriculture.
Gathering a diverse array of experts including chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs from nations such as Switzerland, the Netherlands, Mexico, the USA, and the Philippines, the summit served as a melting pot for sharing expert insights. At the helm was renowned Chef Ebru Baybara Demir, celebrated for winning the 2023 Basque Culinary World Prize and being acknowledged by the UNFAO as a Global Food Hero. Her leadership was instrumental in bringing together international attendees with the Çukurova region’s local farming community to explore how modern agriculture must evolve to tackle present and future challenges.
A central feature of the summit was the Universal Plate initiative, an ambitious undertaking which is part of SGM’s worldwide campaign, concurrently activated in 40 countries. In observance of World Food Day, chefs and volunteers prepared and distributed meals to 2,500 local residents in Adana, emphasizing the critical need for equitable access to wholesome nutrition. According to Chef Demir, the summit was intended to unite farmers, chefs, scientists, and community leaders under a unified vision for food sustainability, and she expressed optimism that these discussions would guide future collaborations aimed at holistically addressing soil health, food security, and sustainable growth.
The summit, themed “Taste of the Soil”, attracted local farmers, international experts, government officials, and agricultural students, all keen to exchange ideas on tackling new agricultural challenges. Discussions underscored the crucial role of maintaining soil health as a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture. The Çukurova region, renowned for its fertile soil, was highlighted as a model for implementing and potentially replicating sustainable practices elsewhere worldwide. Efficient water use and irrigation were hot topics, with experts stressing the urgency to conserve this vital resource amidst the growing challenges of climate change.
Prominent voices such as Nicola Gryczka, SGM’s co-founder, noted that sustainability in food extends beyond mere farming and cooking; it is about fostering an ecosystem where everyone plays an integral role. Through education, diversity, solidarity, and collaboration, there is potential to create resilient food systems that serve all communities. He remarked that Adana’s Agriculture Summit signifies a beginning from which new initiatives and partnerships can be built to push forward the mission of creating a more inclusive and sustainable food future.
Local authorities highlighted the strategic importance of the summit. Adana’s Governor, Yavuz Selim Köşger, and the city’s Mayor, Zeydan Karalar, both emphasised the region’s agricultural strengths and its potential in helping to meet modern agricultural demands. They collectively acknowledged the necessity to protect and enhance their fertile lands in the face of climate shifts, ensuring that every cultivated product maintains its value.
The summit set a new precedent for collaborative approaches to sustainable agriculture and food security in Türkiye.
