SLOW Food in Australia has called for applications from producers, cooks and chefs, academics and students to be considered for selection to attend Terra Madre 2010 in Turin, Italy, from 21 to 25 Oct 2010. Applications must be submitted by 25 Apr 2010.
Watch the Terra Madre movie
Part 1 ‘We will reclaim the integrity and intrinsic value of every life on earth’ [7:46]
Part 2 ‘We’re millionaires in many things but no so much in money’ [8:12]
Who can be considered as a delegate?
A food producer, cook or chef, student, or an academic must complete and submit a Terra Madre nomination form in order to be considered. All delegates will be required to attend the meeting in its entirety, whether they are food producers, cooks, students or academics.
Pig and cattle producer Michael Croft from Slow Food Canberra Capital and Country convivium was an Australian delegate in 2008:
‘It came as a bit of shock when I was nominated to go to Terra Madre. My wife Elizabeth and I are members and supporters of Slow Food, but this was an unexpected privilege and honour. We had read Carlo Petrini’s works, our philosophies of life were very much aligned, and we were already practising the type of farming the Slow Food movement supports – good, clean and fair. For us good, clean and fair translated to: rare breeds for meat and eggs, biodynamics, and local farmers markets.
‘I was asked: why go to Terra Madre, why make the trip? Initially that question threw me off guard as I thought it would be universally desirable to attend such an event. The opportunity to hear leading global thinkers and activists such as: Carlo Petrini, Vandana Shiva, and Alice Waters, to meet likeminded producers, processors and chefs, to enjoy the convivial nature of the event, and to sample the world’s best foods at Salone del Gusto, was simply an event not to be missed. Funding the trip after six years of drought was secondary, and I managed to get there with the great help of our local convivium, Canberra 4Cs.
‘On reflection I really went to Turin to learn – learn all I could from other producers, from processors, from cooks and chefs and from co-producers. What I didn’t realize was that I also had something to contribute, and was asked to address one of the Earth workshops, another unexpected honour. Being a farmer and mostly working alone, the convivial nature of the event and the connection with like-minded people was a real pleasure. Everyone I met was a delight and firm friendships were formed quickly, but I must single out the Italians as perhaps the most hospitable people on the planet.
‘About 20 Australians were accommodated at a convent’s spiritual retreat. The significance of this placement was not lost on us Aussies and we happily enjoyed many of the local spirits. Several nights we returned from the Salone del Gusto with some of the world’s best offerings that were then consumed with passion – special mention must go to the white truffle pizza!
‘If I had one goal when I went to Terra Madre, it was to investigate the potential of value-adding projects for our Wessex Saddleback pork. Italy was definitely the best place to start my investigations of prosciutto, ham, salami and other small goods. I sampled more processed meat products in 3 days in Turin than I have in a lifetime – and came home a few kilos heavier too. As a result I have a standing invitation to visit a 4th generation Swiss German small goods maker and learn what I can. The surprise is that Thomas Beuke is from Tasmania, and his wallaby salami among the best I have tasted.
‘What has Terra Madre inspired me to do? Value add to our already special produce. Elizabeth and I are now planning a small commercial kitchen where we will prepare hams ready for extended air-drying and maturing. The value adding I saw at Terra Madre was inspiring and will help a small farm like ours remain viable.
‘Regrets? The only regrets I have are that Elizabeth could not come with me and that Terra Madre the event was over so soon – but there’s always next time. All in all I consider my time at Terra Madre to have been an immense success. I enjoyed the city, food, the people, the wine, the music, and I learned a great deal – what else is there to life?’
Selection
Slow Food Australia’s priority is to enable people who have not previously attended to have the opportunity to participate in Terra Madre.
Slow Food Australia strongly encourages convivium leaders who have not been to Terra Madre to nominate themselves – they are in the best position to affect what a convivium does after Terra Madre. If a convivium leader would like to apply under one of the given delegate categories they are welcome to do so.
Alternatively, convivium leaders who feel they don’t quite fit the nomination criteria may attend as observers of the Terra Madre meeting. However, observers don’t have as much access to the activities within Terra Madre and are not eligible for the free accommodation provided by Slow Food international.
People who should consider nominating to attend Terre Madre include:
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producers
cooks and chefs
students and young people
academics
food journalists who are members and are able to focus on issues related to Slow Food
When considering nomination, nominees (and those nominating them) need to consider:
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are they members of Slow Food in Australia?
does the producer’s work aid the maintenance of a food/breed/tradition?is production good, clean and fair?is production indigenous?
is the producer an advocate of Slow Food principles and/or help to promote the Slow message as an ambasssador?
are they capable/able to report on Terra Madre on return – especially if they are sponsored or supported by their convivium? (For example, a public presentation at a Slow Food meeting or a paper)
have they been to Terra Madre before?
You need also to keep in mind that Salone del Gusto – the world’s fair of artisan foods – is on at the same time: taste education workshops, hundreds of producers all wanting to share their products and knowledge with the visitor, fabulous food. It is important to book early for your desired taste workshop.
Travel and accommodation
Australian delegates and observers need to cover their own travel costs associated to attend Terra Madre, including air fares from Australia and in-Italy train fares. In the past some delegates have been funded by a convivium and others have funded themselves. All delegates attending Terra Madre will have free accommodation for the duration of the event in Turin. This is organised by Slow Food.
How will the delegates be chosen?
The process will include nomination reviews in order to select the most qualified ambassadors of ‘good, clean, and fair’ values and also take into consideration product and geographical diversity. A sub-committee comprising Sow Food Sydney member Michelle Guberina and Slow Food Perth co-leader Pauline Tresise – both of whom have been actively involved with Terra Madre – and supported by Slow Food Australia will assess the nominations.
More information
Please contact Slow Food Perth
Email
T 08 9381 4519 Pauline Treise, or 08 9293 1845 Jamie Kronborg
