Preserving Local Food Traditions at Terra Madre Visayas 2023
The Terra Madre Visayas 2023 is a remarkable event showcasing the culinary and cultural diversity of the Visayas region in the Philippines. It draws inspiration from the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto in Turin, Italy, which is recognized as the world’s largest slow food and wine fair. The event aims to emphasize the importance of preserving local food traditions, advocating for sustainable agriculture, and supporting small-scale farmers and food artisans.
Supported by the province of Negros Occidental in collaboration with Slow Food International and other local government agencies, the event will host a range of activities including food tastings, cooking demonstrations, workshops, and cultural performances. Moreover, Terra Madre Visayas 2023 will serve as a meeting ground for farmers, chefs, food activists, and other stakeholders to share insights and experiences on sustainable food systems.
Terra Madre Visayas 2023 stands as an exciting 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 the future. Whether one is a food enthusiast, a farmer, a chef, or a food activist, this event promises an enriching experience.
Terra Madre Visayas 2023
The event was held in Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental, from November 15-19, 2023. Spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and supported by Slow Food Negros and local partners, the event aimed to promote the principles of Slow Food, which advocates for good, clean, and fair food for all. It featured a marketplace where local food producers interacted with consumers, as well as a series of conferences, workshops, and cultural events exploring various themes related to food, agriculture, and sustainability.
As a supporter, I am excited about the positive impact that Terra Madre Visayas 2023 will have on the region. It is expected to not only boost the local economy but also raise awareness about the importance of preserving our food heritage and promoting sustainable food systems.
Role of Slow Food International
Slow Food International plays a significant 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, a local organization advocating for the preservation of local food culture and biodiversity, is part of the larger global network of food activists and enthusiasts supported by Slow Food International.
Paolo Di Croce, the General Secretary of Slow Food International, believes that Terra Madre Visayas 2023 offers an opportunity to showcase the region’s rich food culture and biodiversity, promoting sustainable food systems and emphasizing the importance of preserving local food traditions.
Experts, including chefs, food artisans, and farmers representing Slow Food International, will share their knowledge and expertise with the local community and visitors during the event. Slow Food International will extend its support to the event, providing 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 been instrumental in showcasing the rich and diverse food culture and biodiversity of the region.
The Department of Tourism’s support has played a crucial role in promoting the event to local and foreign tourists, while Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda has been a driving force in promoting the Slow Food movement in the Philippines.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts has contributed to showcasing the region’s unique cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of preserving the region’s food and cultural traditions. Additionally, Abanse Negrense, a local organization supporting sustainable agriculture and rural development, has actively participated in the event, promoting the region’s local produce and sustainable farming practices.
Agriculture and Biodiversity in Visayas
The Visayas region boasts fertile land and a suitable climate for growing various crops. The focus of Terra Madre Visayas is to promote organic and sustainable food production, highlighting the importance of clean and healthy food produced without harmful chemicals. This approach benefits the environment and supports farmers’ livelihoods by providing fair prices for their produce.
Negros Island, recognized as the Organic Capital of the Philippines, exemplifies sustainable agriculture in Visayas. The island is home to diverse organic farms producing high-quality crops such as rice, sugarcane, and vegetables using natural methods that preserve the environment and biodiversity.
The Terra Madre Visayas event provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the different crops grown in Visayas and their contribution to the region’s biodiversity, showcasing activities including cooking demonstrations, food tastings, and farmer’s markets that highlight the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Cultural Significance
Terra Madre Visayas 2023 holds tremendous significance for the people of Negros Occidental and the Philippines as a whole. It brings together farmers, artisans, and food enthusiasts to celebrate the region’s rich cultural traditions and promote sustainable food practices. The primary goal of the event is to showcase the diverse cultural heritage of the Philippines, featuring food, music, and art from various cities in Negros to provide a platform for local artists and artisans to share their talents.
At the heart of Terra Madre Visayas 2023 is a commitment to preserving traditional food practices and promoting sustainable agriculture. The event encourages farmers to adopt organic farming methods and empowers consumers to make informed choices about the food they eat.
Reena Gamboa, the event’s organizer and a member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, explains, “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” in a special ceremony at the Negros Residences in Bacolod City on Wednesday (Nov. 15, 2023). The unveiling marked the beginning of the 1st Terra Madre Visayas, a five-day event celebrating small-scale, traditional, and sustainable food production in the region.
Workshops and Festivals
One of the exciting workshops was the Taste Workshops, allowing attendees to experience a variety of food and drinks from different regions of the Philippines, led by industry experts sharing their knowledge and insights. The Organic Farmers Festival, held at the same time and venue as the Terra Madre Visayas, offered visitors an array of farm produce, products, and merchandise to delight in.
The workshops focused on topics such as sustainable agriculture, food security, and biodiversity, providing valuable insights from experts in the field.
Ark of Taste and Culinary Traditions
The event emphasized the significance of the Ark of Taste, a global initiative of Slow Food International that aims to preserve food biodiversity and promote sustainable agriculture. The Ark of Taste, a living catalog of foods facing extinction, represents delicious and distinctive foods crucial to safeguarding food heritage and livelihoods of small-scale farmers.
I am thrilled to learn about the Ark of Taste and the unique culinary traditions it represents. Supporting these products not only allows me to savor delicious food but also contributes to the preservation of our food heritage and the sustainability of small-scale farmers. During Terra Madre Visayas 2023, I had the opportunity to taste unique ingredients and dishes, witnessing the creativity and skills of local chefs incorporating Ark of Taste products into their menus.
Furthermore, vendors showcased handmade crafts and products, where I picked up souvenirs including a beautiful handwoven basket and a jar of locally sourced honey, in addition to an array of organic offerings.
Produce and Products
During my visit to Terra Madre Visayas 2023 in Bacolod City, I was amazed by the variety and quality of produce and products on display. The event succeeded in promoting good, clean, and fair food sources, featuring a standout Organic Fair and Exhibit showcasing the best of organic offerings, including fresh fruits, vegetables, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and a variety of local coffee blends.
I was particularly impressed by the diversity of coffee, with several local roasters presenting unique blends and sharing insights into flavor profiles and brewing techniques. Additionally, a visit to the Chris Fadriga Cacao Nursery and Plantation showcased the remarkable achievements of a Negrense farmer, who has been recognized as one of the world’s best cocoa producers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Terra Madre Visayas and how is it related to Slow Food?
Terra Madre Visayas is a first-of-its-kind event in the Visayan region, organized in collaboration with Slow Food International. It is designed to promote good, clean, and fair food sources. Slow Food International, a global grassroots organization advocating for sustainable food systems, and Terra Madre work together to protect food biodiversity.
What are the highlights of the Terra Madre Visayas 2023 tour?
The Terra Madre Visayas 2023 tour will showcase the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the Visayan region, offering participants the opportunity to visit local farms, markets, and food communities, as well as partake in workshops and seminars on sustainable food production, food preservation, and food entrepreneurship.
Who are the participants of Terra Madre Visayas 2023?
Participants in Terra Madre Visayas 2023 include food enthusiasts, farmers, chefs, food artisans, and other stakeholders in the food industry, uniting to promote sustainable food systems and preserve food biodiversity.
What is the significance of Terra Madre Visayas 2023 for the Visayan region?
Terra Madre Visayas 2023 holds significance for the Visayan region as it promotes sustainable food systems and preserves food biodiversity while providing a platform for local farmers, food artisans, and entrepreneurs to showcase their products and skills, acknowledging the region as a hub of sustainable food production and culinary excellence.