Negros Island is taking the lead in promoting global slow food, a movement that champions promoting traditional food for all, as Bacolod prepares to host the first Terra Madre Asia and Pacific Festival.
In opposition to fast food, slow food does not focus on speed, but rather on curating food that, while not instant, is healthy, sustainable, and fairly priced. It highlights the people involved in the process, promotes biodiversity, supports small producers, and preserves local culinary heritage.
Founded in 2012 with support from the late renowned chef Margarita Forés, the Slow Food Community of Negros has documented over 100 local ingredients and dishes that were at risk of disappearing, submitting more than 20 to the international “Ark of Taste” online catalogue of heritage foods to shed light on dwindling food resources and ensure that they can stand the test of time and flourish again in the region.
Slow Food Negros runs the monthly Earth Market, where fisherfolk and farmers meet with consumers to build relationships and to ensure that their produce is well-received. The community also represented the Philippines at Italy’s Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024, showcasing local and traditional foods with other small-scale farmers, breeders, fishers and food artisans from around the world.
“Farmers are the real stars in these events,” said Ramon “Chinchin” Uy Jr., a Bacolod-based organic farmer and international councilor for Slow Food, in an interview with Rappler. According to Uy, Negros has envisioned becoming an “organic island,” with its pioneering efforts in organic agriculture since 2005
The upcoming Terra Madre festival marks the first time the global gathering is leaving Turin, Italy, bringing together food providers with academics, cooks, consumers and youth groups to highlight traditional food and improve the food system.
Over 2,000 delegates from more than 20 countries are expected to arrive in Bacolod for the event, officially designating the city as the Slow Food Hub of Asia and the Center for Sustainable Gastronomy from November 19 to 23.
For more information, follow Slow Food Negros’ Official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SlowFoodNegros.
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