Slow Food is launching a major global initiative with the introduction of Slow Food Farms, which will form a network of farms dedicated to agroecological principles.
This announcement comes as the G7 Agriculture Ministers prepare to meet in Syracuse, Sicily from September 26 to 28.
Agroecology aims to create food systems that are more sustainable and beneficial for the environment and local communities by using natural farming practices.
At the same time, Slow Food will be hosting Terra Madre Salone del Gusto in Turin from September 26-30.
This event will gather over 3,000 people from 120 countries, all committed to producing food that supports both environmental health and community well-being.
In a joint statement, Edward Mukiibi, President of Slow Food, and Barbara Nappini, President of Slow Food Italia, are urging G7 ministers to prioritise food in their political agendas.
They emphasise that food is a fundamental right and essential for achieving sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Mukiibi highlighted the global crises exacerbated by the current development model, which focuses on endless growth, high productivity, and consumerism.
This model, he notes, depletes natural resources and harms biodiversity without improving people’s well-being.
“Slow Food has identified key areas for immediate action, centred around adopting agroecological practices as the only way forward,” he stated.
Special Appeal
Slow Food’s appeal includes several key actions for governments: support for agroecological farms to protect soil and biodiversity, backing for farmers who treat animals well and conserve important areas, and mandatory food education in schools with a focus on fresh, local products.
They also call for policies that enhance transparency in the food chain, set minimum sustainability standards for public food purchases, and support direct sales and farmers’ markets.
Governments are urged to ensure fair pricing for sustainable farming, regulate GMOs with proper risk assessments, and maintain transparency throughout the food supply chain.
Slow Food also advocates for policies that support migrant integration, food sovereignty, and avoiding the negative impacts of Western food systems. Lastly, they call for support for small-scale coastal fisheries and measures to reduce plastic packaging.
Agroecology and Slow Food’s Response
Agroecology integrates various aspects of food systems, such as environmental, technological, economic, and cultural factors, to provide a better alternative to industrial farming.
International reports have identified agroecology as crucial for transforming food systems to be more sustainable and supportive of farmers, ensuring food security and healthy diets now and in the future.
Slow Food is committed to showing that agroecological practices can replace traditional farming methods effectively.
The new Slow Food Farms network will focus on producing good, clean, and fair food while supporting local communities and economies.
According to Mukiibi, these farms will help improve farmers’ lives, provide fair compensation, and connect them with a global network of supporters including activists, chefs, and consumers.
Barbara Nappini added that Slow Food has been working for nearly 40 years to ensure everyone has access to healthy, sustainable food.
They advocate for moving away from profit-driven models to those that protect biodiversity and natural resources. Nappini also stressed the importance of mandatory food education and respecting food sovereignty.
The Slow Food Farms project will be featured prominently at Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, the largest international event of the Slow Food movement, in Turin, Italy, from September 26 to 30.
This event will present how agroecological principles are being put into practice.
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