Preserving Local Food Traditions at Terra Madre Visayas 2023
Terra Madre Visayas 2023 is an exceptional event that highlights the diverse culinary and cultural heritage of the Visayas region in the Philippines. Inspired by the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto in Turin, Italy, it emphasizes the importance of preserving local food traditions, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting small-scale farmers and food artisans.
With the collaboration of the province of Negros Occidental, Slow Food International, and other local government agencies, the event presents food tastings, cooking demonstrations, workshops, and cultural performances. Terra Madre Visayas 2023 serves as a platform for farmers, chefs, food activists, and stakeholders to share knowledge, ideas, and experiences on sustainable food systems.
This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich flavors, traditions, and stories of the Visayas region. It celebrates the diversity of local food cultures and emphasizes the significance of preserving them for future generations. Whether you are a food enthusiast, a farmer, a chef, or a food activist, Terra Madre Visayas 2023 is an event not to be missed.
Terra Madre Visayas 2023
The event was held in Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental, from November 15-19, 2023. Organized by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental in collaboration with Slow Food Negros and local partners, Terra Madre Visayas 2023 aims to promote Slow Food, sustainable agriculture, and cultural diversity.
It also provides a marketplace for farmers, fisherfolk, and other food producers from the Visayas region to showcase their products and engage with consumers. Additionally, the event features conferences, workshops, and cultural events focusing on food, agriculture, and sustainability. Overall, it is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and raise awareness about preserving food heritage and sustainable food systems.
Role of Slow Food International
Slow Food International, known for advocating good, clean, and fair food, plays a crucial role in Terra Madre Visayas 2023. The event is a collaboration between the Slow Food Community of Negros, Slow Food International, and local government agencies.
The Slow Food Community of Negros is part of a global network of food activists and enthusiasts that works toward preserving local food culture and biodiversity. With guidance and support from Slow Food International, local communities are empowered to promote sustainable food systems and preserve local food traditions.
Paolo Di Croce, the General Secretary of Slow Food International, views Terra Madre Visayas 2023 as an opportunity to showcase the region’s food culture and biodiversity, promoting sustainable food systems and emphasizing the importance of preserving local food traditions.
At the event, experts from Slow Food International, including chefs, food artisans, and farmers, will share their expertise with the local community and visitors. The organization will also provide support to the event, offering logistical and organizational assistance.
Involvement of Local Government and Organizations
The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, in partnership with Slow Food International, the Department of Tourism, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and Abanse Negrense, has spearheaded the event. This collaboration is crucial in showcasing the region’s food culture and biodiversity.
The Department of Tourism’s support in promoting the event to local and foreign tourists has been instrumental in its success. Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda’s involvement as a slow food advocate has also drawn attention to the cause and attracted more visitors. Additionally, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts has contributed to showcasing the region’s unique cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of preserving food and cultural traditions.
Abanse Negrense, a local organization promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development, has played a vital role in the event by showcasing the region’s local produce and sustainable farming practices.
Agriculture and Biodiversity in Visayas
The Terra Madre Visayas 2023 offers an incredible exploration of the rich agriculture and biodiversity in the Visayas region, known for its fertile land and ideal climate for various crops. The event focuses on promoting organic and sustainable food production, highlighting the importance of clean and healthy food produced without the use of harmful chemicals.
Negros Island, recognized as the Organic Capital of the Philippines, serves as an excellent example of sustainable agriculture in Visayas. It houses diverse organic farms producing high-quality crops such as rice, sugarcane, and vegetables, employing natural methods that help preserve the environment and biodiversity.
The event at Terra Madre Visayas is a remarkable opportunity to learn about the region’s various crops and their contribution to biodiversity. The program includes cooking demonstrations, food tastings, and farmer’s markets, all showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Cultural Significance
Terra Madre Visayas 2023 holds great cultural significance for Negros Occidental and the Philippines, bringing together farmers, artisans, and food enthusiasts to celebrate the region’s cultural traditions and promote sustainable food practices. Emphasizing the preservation of traditional food practices and sustainable agriculture, the event encourages farmers to adopt organic farming methods and empowers consumers to make informed choices about their food.
As Reena Gamboa, the event’s organizer and a member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, states, “Terra Madre Visayas 2023 is about celebrating our cultural heritage and promoting sustainable food practices that benefit both farmers and consumers. By sharing our traditions and knowledge, we can build a stronger, more resilient food system for future generations.”
Sud-an cookbook: Rediscovering Western Visayas cuisine
The Department of Tourism and the Slow Food Community of Negros Island launched the cookbook “Sud-an: Rediscovering Western Visayas Cuisine through the Ark of Taste” at the Negros Residences in Bacolod City. The unveiling marked the start of the 1st Terra Madre Visayas, a five-day event celebrating small-scale, traditional, and sustainable food production in the region.
Workshops and Festivals
The Taste Workshops allowed attendees to explore a variety of food and drinks from different regions of the Philippines. Participants had the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, gaining insight into diverse flavors and ingredients. Additionally, the Organic Farmers Festival showcased organic offerings, providing visitors with an array of farm produce, products, and merchandise.
Ark of Taste and Culinary Traditions
Highlighting the Ark of Taste, a living catalog of distinctive foods at risk of extinction, Terra Madre Visayas 2023 promotes the preservation of food biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
By supporting these unique products, consumers contribute to the preservation of food heritage and the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. The event presents diverse ingredients and dishes, offering a platform for local chefs to demonstrate their creativity with Ark of Taste products.
An exploration of unique culinary traditions and ingredients encourages consumers to value and support the preservation of food biodiversity.
The event at Terra Madre Visayas 2023 allows attendees to taste these unique ingredients and experience their use in local cuisine, promoting an appreciation for sustainable and traditional food practices.
A visit to local restaurants allowed attendees to sample slow food offerings and cocktails featuring produce from organic farmers and Ark of Taste ingredients from Negros.
The experience offered insights into sustainable agricultural practices and supported the efforts of local farmers, promoting sustainable and diverse food sources.
Produce and Products
The Organic Fair and Exhibit, a standout feature of the festival, exhibited a wide array of organic offerings including fresh fruits, vegetables, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and unique coffee blends from local roasters. Media tours to coffee farms and a cacao nursery offered education on flavor profiles, brewing techniques, and the story behind the award-winning criollo cocoa.
The event allowed for a firsthand look at the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the Visayan region, providing a platform for locals and visitors to engage with the diverse produce and products on display.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Terra Madre Visayas and how is it related to Slow Food?
Terra Madre Visayas is a first-ever event celebrating the culinary and cultural heritage of the Visayan region. Collaborating with Slow Food International, the event emphasizes good, clean, and fair food sources. Slow Food International, a global grassroots organization, advocates for sustainable food systems and food biodiversity through its international movement, Terra Madre.
What are the highlights of the Terra Madre Visayas 2023 tour?
The Terra Madre Visayas 2023 tour presents the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the Visayan region, featuring visits to local farms, markets, and food communities. Participants have the opportunity to indulge in traditional Visayan dishes, attend workshops on sustainable food production, and learn about food preservation and entrepreneurship.
Who are the participants of Terra Madre Visayas 2023?
Participants of Terra Madre Visayas 2023 include food enthusiasts, farmers, chefs, food artisans, and other stakeholders in the food industry from different parts of the Philippines and beyond. The event welcomes anyone interested in promoting sustainable food systems and preserving food biodiversity.
What is the significance of Terra Madre Visayas 2023 for the Visayan region?
Terra Madre Visayas 2023 is significant for the Visayan region as it promotes sustainable food systems, preserves food biodiversity, and provides a platform for local farmers, food artisans, and entrepreneurs to showcase their products and skills. The event highlights the rich culinary heritage of the region and positions it as a hub of sustainable food production and culinary excellence.