The Ark of Taste is very close to reaching 2,900 products, and we have good reason to think that it could double or even triple its passengers in 2016. In fact the new year has brought an important development.
As many of you will already have learned from the newsletter, a collaboration has already begun between Slow Food and the University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG). The university in Pollenzo has incorporated the study of the food biodiversity protected by the Ark of Taste project into its research program. Two specific research doctorates have already been started at the university, and the Ark of Taste has been introduced into the teaching methodology.
In 2016, UNISG students will actively collaborate on nominating new products, collecting suggestions from around the world, from producers, chefs, lecturers from the university’s academic networks, former students and of course the international Slow Food network. Study trips will visit small-scale food producers and the teaching program will explore the topic in depth.
A new, simplified nomination form is already available on the Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity website (http://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/what-we-do/the-ark-of-taste/nominations-from-around-the-world/nominate-a-product/). Once the online form has been filled out, the product’s name, country of origin and nominator will be visible online in the “Nominations from around the world” section, which will show nominations coming in, in real time.
There will be no change, however, to the evaluation process; in order to board the Ark, new products must still be assessed by national commissions following the same criteria as before. Where there is no national commission, the Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity is responsible for the evaluation.
The theme of Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2016, which will be held from September 22 to 26 in Turin, is “Loving the Earth.” What better way to show our love for the planet on which we live than by protecting and valuing its biodiversity? That’s why we are asking all the delegates who will participate in the event to nominate at least one new product to the Ark of Taste.
You too can nominate a traditional food or a local animal breed that belongs to the gastronomic heritage of your local area, and which deserves to be protected and valued.
Access the online form (http://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/what-we-do/the-ark-of-taste/nominations-from-around-the-world/nominate-a-product/) and send us your message.
Thank you for your help!
The Ark of Taste team