Food Consciousness and the Radical Potential of Eco-Gastronomy: The Story of Terra Madre and Slow Food

Mark Juhasz
Rural Studies Program
School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
University of Guelph
mjuhasz@uoguelph.ca

Abstract
The Slow Food Organization and its biennial event, Terra Madre, have established themselves as a benchmark of inspiration for a radically new relationship between people, agriculture and food.

Originating in the 1980s as a response to the increasing power of conventional food production systems, Slow Food has blossomed into a network with membership around the world.

In October 2006, the second Terra Madre event was held in Turin, Italy. Farmers, educators, chefs and interested ‘food communities’ attended. Topics included producer networks, the relationship of cooks and educational centres, agroecology and market access.

Delegates addressed seed and animal diversity, agro-biodiversity education and the economics of agrifood resources, locally and internationally. The perception of gastronomy as an elitist endeavor is off the mark from what this organization and Terra Madre aim to accomplish.

Their goals involve placing the cultural, spiritual and community significance of food at the centre of the debate over the prevailing international food system.

The Slow Food network is also highly decentralized. Members are organized into local ‘convivia’ around the globe, each working to address specific issues and needs regarding food and agriculture. The concept requires a political conscience and active engagement in one’s community, considering the status quo for what, how and where foods are available.

These principles are charged with urgency on central themes of our times: from ecosystems sustainability to our social, physical and psychic health.

 

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Posted March 2007