Last Updated on: 3rd November 2024, 03:45 am
Adana recently became the centre of attention as it hosted Türkiye’s inaugural agriculture summit centred on social gastronomy in October, part of the 8th International Taste of Adana Festival. This significant event, held under the auspices of the Adana Governor’s Office and in partnership with the Switzerland-based Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM), aimed to address pressing issues in food sustainability, local farming methods, soil health, irrigation, and the environmental footprint of agriculture. It brought together leading figures, such as chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs, from countries including Switzerland, the Netherlands, Mexico, the USA, and the Philippines.
The summit was coordinated by Chef Ebru Baybara Demir, the first Turkish chef to win the 2023 Basque Culinary World Prize and recognised as a Global Food Hero by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. She facilitated discussions between international delegates, farmers, chefs, and entrepreneurs from the Çukurova region. The event’s primary focus was on how agriculture can adapt to the challenges posed by a changing world, offering tangible solutions to foster a more sustainable future.
One of the key moments of the summit was the Universal Plate initiative, an SGM project implemented in 40 countries simultaneously. In celebration of World Food Day, participants and chefs prepared and distributed meals to 2,500 people in Adana, joining global efforts to highlight the importance of access to nutritious food for all.
Uniting experts in food sustainability
“Our goal with this summit is to bring together the key figures driving food sustainability—farmers, chefs, scientists, and community leaders—under one shared vision. Partnering with the Social Gastronomy Movement allows us to demonstrate that agriculture, food, and social change are interconnected,” said Ebru Baybara Demir. “This summit, I believe, will serve as a beacon for future collaborations that seek holistic solutions for soil health, food security, and sustainable development.”
Titled “Taste of the Soil,” the summit gathered a wide range of participants, from local farmers to international experts, representatives of ministries, local governments, and students from agricultural faculties. The discussions aimed to explore innovative approaches to overcoming contemporary agricultural challenges.
The event emphasised the importance of soil health in sustainable farming, highlighting the need to improve soil quality for long-term productivity. The Çukurova region, renowned for its fertile lands, was showcased as a prime example of where sustainable farming practices could flourish and serve as a global model. Water management and the efficient use of irrigation systems were other central themes, as the effects of climate change and the need for water conservation were recognised as critical issues.
Nicola Gryczka, co-founder of SGM, remarked, “Sustainability in food extends beyond farming and cooking—it’s about creating a whole ecosystem where every participant has a role, from farm to table. By fostering education, diversity, solidarity, and collaboration, we can build resilient food systems that serve everyone.” He added, “Adana’s Agriculture Summit is just the beginning. We hope this collaboration strengthens our collective efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for food, laying the foundation for upcoming initiatives and partnerships.”
Local perspectives and future initiatives
Regional leaders stressed the importance of the summit for the region and its potential to inspire wider agricultural development. Yavuz Selim Köşger, the Governor of Adana, highlighted, “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, the Mayor of Adana, spoke about the value of the region’s agricultural assets: “Adana boasts one of the world’s most fertile plains, nourished by its rivers. As climate change continues to pose challenges for agriculture, it’s crucial that we protect and harness our lands. Every crop grown must find its value, and we are dedicated to making sure of that.”
For more information on the summit and its initiatives, please visit the Taste of Adana Festival’s website.
Contact: Karolin Ergin | O2 İletişim | kergin@o2iletisim.com | 05323845711
