Terra Madre Europe – The first edition of Slow Food’s landmark event highlights the power of food to build connections

Brussels, June 22 – 24

Slow Food, the global movement working collectively to ensure good, clean, and fair food for all, presents the very first edition of Terra Madre Europe, taking place from June 22 to 24 in Brussels.

Slow Food fosters a global network of local communities and activists who defend cultural and biological diversity, promote food education, preserve traditional knowledge and skills, and advocate for better food policies in both public and private sectors.

This inaugural edition of Terra Madre Europe marks the beginning of what Slow Food envisions as a recurring and strategic gathering in Brussels. By amplifying diverse voices from across the EU and showcasing agroecological solutions related to food production and consumption, the event aims to inform both decision-makers and the wider public about concrete responses to today’s multiple crises.

Held under the theme “Food for Change,” this milestone event will bring together a dynamic mix of European farmers, food artisans, cooks from all EU countries, policymakers, and activists for three days of vibrant discussions, interactive workshops, and communal meals. At a time of rising political polarization, Terra Madre Europe offers a vital space for constructive dialogue, emphasizing the unifying and transformative power of food to shape a more resilient and sustainable future. Here you find the detailed program.

“Terra Madre Europe perfectly reflects the essence of Slow Food—from biodiversity and education to advocacy,” says Marta Messa, Secretary General of Slow Food. “The key actors of this event will be European farmers and food artisans who, every day, provide us with good, clean, and fair food, alongside policymakers who influence the future of food systems in Europe. Cooks will also take center stage for their crucial role in educating and inspiring people to make thoughtful food choices. At Slow Food, we are convinced that agroecological transition is the only viable path to creating a truly sustainable food systems —one that respects people, the planet, and future generations.”

Agroecology lies at the heart of Slow Food’s global strategy. Through its Slow Food Farms initiative, the movement is building the world’s largest network of farms committed to agroecological practices and sustainable food production. Currently, more than 117 farms in 34 countries have joined the initiative, with new participants joining regularly. As part of Terra Madre Europe, the first Slow Food Farms in Belgium will also be officially launched.

“We believe agroecology should be integrated into the new CAP. It must be seen as part of the broader food system, not limited to production practices. That’s why building coordination and coalitions is essential in shaping effective policy”, commented Henriette Christensen, Executive Director of Agroecology Europe.

On June 22 the first Slow Food Earth Market will also be launched. Yannick Schandené, coordinator of Slow Food Earth Market:” At the core of the market there is the passion of producers and the belief in what they do. We want to facilitate the exchange between cooks, producers and consumers”

Click here to read the full Press Kit

Here you can watch the press conference.

More info on the producers and cooks present.

​​The event is co-funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme.