Outcomes from Fifth International SF Congress

The Fifth Slow Food International Congress, held in Puebla, Mexico, brought together more than 600 delegates and observers from 49 countries, including 21 UK representatives.  Fiona Richmond, Slow Food UK Co-ordinator summarised some of the key outcomes for UK Convivia.

A Declaration set out the key strategic themes reflecting the movement’s ‘Good, Clean and Fair’ mission.

Fiona reported that one of the highlights of the Congress was a presentation by the students from the University of Gastronomic Sciences and the Youth Food Movement delegation from Slow Food USA.  They proposed launching an international network of young farmers, producers, students, chefs and activists.  This was unanimously approved by the Congress.  Action Plan

One report, Slow Food in Schools, outlining initiatives in the USA is particularly interesting for Slow Food Bedford because of our new projects for 2008.

Shortly before the Congress met, Mexico was hit by devastating floods.  This had severe economic, social and ecological impacts on the Tabasco area, forcing more than 3 million people to leave their homes and almost wiping out farming production.  The Congress expressed solidarity with the flood victims and an appeal fund has already raised thousands of Euros.

New stall at Bedford’s Gourmet Market

Earlier this year Slow Food Bedford met with Bedford Borough Council to put forward an idea to involve local schools with the Gourmet Market. They proposed a stall to offer children the opportunity to cook local produce and sell it through the market.

Sue Miller will represent Slow Food Bedford at the launch of this new initiative on Thursday 15th November (with the Mayor and Town Crier). If you are in the area, please support this venture. The opening ceremony will be at 11am. It is important to bring together the next generation of possible producers and co producers and what better way than at our local Gourmet Market. So come and buy some of the children’s produce and help this project to become sustainable.

Details: Gourmet Market Project