As the G7 agriculture ministers meet in Syracuse in Sicily from September 26 to 28 under Italy’s presidency, the 15th edition of Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, Slow Food flagship’s event, will be held in Turin
“On the occasion of the meeting of the agriculture ministers of the G7 countries, Slow Food asks governments to place food at the center of political agendas, as it represents the cornerstone of fundamental rights and a key element in achieving sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” reads a joint statement issued by Edward Mukiibi, President of Slow Food, and Barbara Nappini, President of Slow Food Italia. Over the same days as the G7 meeting, the international Slow Food movement will be bringing together more than 3,000 representatives of good, clean and fair food production from 120 countries for Terra Madre Salone del Gusto (September 26-30). They are exponents of an economy that respects the health of nature and people.
“The world is going through an unprecedented number of crises. It is now well established that the current development model, which continues to chase global markets and an idea of an economy based on infinite growth, hyper-productivism, consumerism and waste, is eroding natural resources and biodiversity without creating well-being for citizens. Slow Food has identified some key areas where immediate action is necessary, all united by what we believe represents the only way forward for the future: reshaping our relationship with nature and adopting agroecological practices,” stated Mukiibi and Nappini.
The document, 10 Points for Good, Clean and Fair Food for All , will also be delivered to the agriculture ministers and their offices.
Specifically, Slow Food asks governments to:
- Support farms that follow agroecological practices, preserving soil and biodiversity and encouraging generational renewal.
- Support farmers who respect their animals and safeguard marginal areas.
- Make food education compulsory for schools of all levels and promote school catering based on fresh, local, quality products that limits food waste.
- Implement binding policies that remodel the dynamics of the food chain, guaranteeing transparent, complete information to consumers, setting minimum sustainability criteria for public food purchasing and supporting direct sales and farmers’ markets.
- Implement all necessary policies to ensure a fair price for farmers who produce food in a way that respects the health of the soil and consumers.
- Regulate all GMOs, conducting appropriate risk assessments and ensuring transparency and traceability for consumers throughout the supply chain.
- Put in place policies that truly integrate migrants.
- Support economic and trade policies that guarantee food sovereignty for all peoples and avoid exporting the negative externalities of the Western food system.
- Support small-scale coastal fisheries, including by enabling generational renewal.
- Develop mandatory measures to minimize plastic packaging across the food system.
Agroecology and Slow Food’s response
Agroecology is a transdisciplinary field that merges the ecological, sociocultural, technological, economic and political dimensions of food systems, from production to consumption, offering a viable alternative to industrial processes. A series of landmark international reports have identified agroecology as a key enabler for food systems transformation. The goal of agroecological transitions is to design stronger food systems that empower farmers, ensure their food sovereignty and food security and guarantee healthy diets for all, both now and in the future, in a sustainable way.
“On our side, we commit to implementing agroecological solutions, proving that an alternative approach to agriculture is possible,” continued Mukiibi and Nappini.
“Today we are launching the Slow Food Farms, which are set to become the largest global network of farms rooted in agroecological principles and dedicated to producing good, clean and fair food. Aligned with Slow Food’s philosophy that everyone deserves access to nourishing food that supports communities, honors the Earth and strengthens local economies, these farms embody the future of sustainable agriculture. By integrating farms into resilient local food systems, Slow Food Farms not only enhance farmers’ livelihoods but also ensure fair compensation and long-term economic stability,” explained Edward Mukiibi. “Slow Food amplifies the voices of these farmers, connecting them to a global community—including activists, chefs, consumers, food artisans, fishers and fellow farmers—who have long supported the movement,” he concluded.
“We believe in everyone’s right to a life of peace and prosperity. That’s why we have been working for almost 40 years with our projects to defend access to good, clean and fair food for all. We must abandon a logic based on profit in favor of one that protects biodiversity, soil fertility and natural resources. Central to this change is food education, which should be obligatory at all levels of school. Moreover, we ask governments to respect the food sovereignty of all peoples,” continued Barbara Nappini.
Slow Food Farms will have a place of honor at Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, the largest international gathering of the Slow Food movement, which will take place in Turin, Italy, from September 26 to 30. A dedicated area will present the project and its five main areas. “Terra Madre will showcase the most impactful and significant Slow Food projects, which turn agroecological principles into practice,” said Mukiibi.
Find out the program of the Slow Food Farms area at Terra Madre
Find out more on the Slow Food Farms
Click here to download the political requests for G7 Agriculture Ministers
Organized by Slow Food, the City of Turin and the Region of Piedmont, under the patronage of Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Terra Madre will explore the issues underpinning the document presented to the G7 ministers in more than 600 talks, meetings, Taste Workshops and educational activities for schools and families, thanks to contributions from internationally renowned names and testimonies from activists and producers. More information here.
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