Slow Food in a Fast Nation?
In Santa Rosa I recently met Carlo Petrini, a most passionate orator, and founder of the international Slow Food Movement. He made the long journey from his home in Bra, Italy to speak to an audience of conscientious chefs and foodies at the annual Slow Food event in Sonoma. Carlo is the world’s most prominent advocate of eating sustainable, local food. He argues that Slow Food values preserve food biodiversity and culinary tradition, while discouraging the globalization of agricultural products.
Since founding Slow Food in 1986, Carlo has grown the movement to over 100,000 members in 150 countries. His message is simple and powerful: we have the right to enjoy healthy food, and we can do so through a commitment to our local community and environment. Forget about fast food…slow it down.
Check out his personal appeal to Californians here.
After speaking with Carlo, I realize we are not simply dealing with a food movement, but really a philosophy of life that empowers people to improve their health, respect the environment and fairly compensate food producers. To that end, Slow Foodies are preserving heirloom varieties of produce in localized seed banks so that future generations can enjoy a world with food diversity. They also campaign against genetically modified foods and pesticides, as well hold food and taste education events in communities across the globe. On October 10th, for example, Slow Food Russian River is holding a farm-to-table dinner with chef Christian Caiazzo at the Stellina Farm’s osteria. Proceeds go to benefit the Slow Food movement.
Did you know that Europe has lost 75% of its food product diversity since 1900? The US has lost 90%. Industrialization of our food system – and its inherent emphasis on genetic standardization and cost efficiency– could very well destroy the vibrant and varied culinary traditions that humanity has cultivated over thousands of years. That would be a tragic day.
Italy draws great cultural wealth from its food tradition. Indeed, the whole world travels to Italy to enjoy the savory pockets of regional cooking that have developed over centuries alongside the environment that supports it. California, too, enjoys a strong tradition of fresh, local eating. Just north over the Golden Gate bridge, there are scores of organic farms in Marin and Sonoma that deliver world-class food daily to the city. Buying local, organic food when possible promotes health in our homes and preserves the personality of our communities – both in Italy and here in the Bay.
