Thousands of passionate individuals from 120 countries gathered in Turin to commemorate 20 years of Terra Madre, a groundbreaking global event that has forever changed the narrative of the food movement. This year’s edition, attended by 3,000 delegates, became a powerful display of cultural diversity and solidarity, with many participants donning traditional attire and traveling days to reach the event. Notably, Indigenous peoples and those from rural communities stood in unity with others, showcasing their critical role in defending biodiversity and sustainable food practices.
At the opening ceremony, Edward Mukiibi, the president of Slow Food and a native of Uganda, gave a heartfelt address. He recalls his first Terra Madre experience in 2008, when as a young farmer and agronomist, he was profoundly inspired by the global movement. “Terra Madre changed my entire vision,” Mukiibi said. “I came as a delegate, and I left as an activist. Now, as the president of Slow Food, I see the incredible efforts of everyone who has been here. Terra Madre is more than a celebration it’s a movement of unity in diversity, a peaceful and supportive network.”
Mukiibi also expressed solidarity with those who were unable to attend due to the conflicts ravaging parts of the world. He underscored the urgent challenges posed by climate, environmental, and social crises. “We cannot ignore the urgency of these crises,” he remarked. “Change must start now, and it will start from here.”
The event also marked a moment of reflection for the future of Slow Food, with Mukiibi acknowledging the symbolic importance of Terra Madre for the movement and its role in shaping the future of the global food system. “We are here to take action, to create a better future for the world, and to care for nature, as nature has always cared for us,” he declared.
Carlo Petrini, founder of Slow Food, echoed this sentiment, urging for a “cultural and political restart” in light of Terra Madre’s milestone. He pointed to the need for change in the global food system, where a few multinational corporations currently dominate food production. “Food is fundamental in the global ecological transition,” Petrini said. “We must break the perverse mechanism that allows a few to monopolize food production and make massive profits.”
The event took on a deeper tone when a message from Pope Francis was read, emphasizing the great suffering faced by the Amazon region, often referred to as the “biological heart” of the planet. With over 33 million people, including 2.5 million Indigenous peoples, living in the Amazon, they continue to endure the impacts of destructive decisions driven by technocracy and greed. The Pope’s words called for solidarity with those communities whose lives are deeply intertwined with the natural world.
Dalí Nolasco Cruz, a Slow Food Board member and representative of the Indigenous Peoples Network, passionately spoke about the critical role of Indigenous communities in safeguarding biodiversity. “Terra Madre is an opportunity for Indigenous peoples to remind the world that we are the primary defenders of biodiversity,” she stated. “We urgently call for change. Not just for us, but for everyone.”
As Terra Madre celebrated its 20th anniversary, it highlighted not only the remarkable journey the Slow Food movement has taken but also the critical challenges that lie ahead. The event stood as a powerful testament to the strength of a global community united by a shared vision for a sustainable and just food system, where diversity, solidarity, and care for nature are at the heart of the change we must collectively pursue.
