Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, the bi-annual Slow Food Festival wrapped up last week. 7000 delegates from over 150 countries, united to take part in this important food event held in Turin, Italy. Canada sent a delegation of 30 people who represented the good, clean and fair food movement in Canada. Canada had a voice throughout Terra Madre at panel discussions, taste workshops and networking events.
Canada’s work on Slow Fish was brought into discussions on Ocean Grabbing and the fishery quota system thanks to BC’s Jon Croft and Duncan Cameron. Amanda Swiminer and Kristopher Barnholden also brought to life the taste of the ocean by hosting a taste workshop which showcased Amanda’s sustainably harvested kelp.
BC’s Samantha Gambling and Joyce Liao and New Brunswick’s Ashlyn Brownell represented the youth in Canada and were able to participate in several Slow Food Youth Network events.
Indigenous voices were also heard with Ontario’s Aric Aguonie speaking at Indigenous discussions. His stories made us aware that Slow Food in Canada needs to be more supportive and work on more projects with our Indigenous peoples.
New Brunswick’s Rachelle Richard – Collette and Mary Kathryn Gildart also got lots of inspiration from attending Earth Market meetings to help make the Bouctouche Farmers’ Market Canada’s first Earth Market!
After five days at Terra Madre, the Canadian delegation has left inspired and ready to bring their new ideas back to Canada. We look forward to growing Canada’s Slow Food movement over the next 2 years and taking an even larger delegation to Terra Madre in 2020!