Minister Letizia Moratti announces in Pollenzo: the University of Gastronomic Sciences obtains approval from MIUR (Ministry of Education, University and Research)

“ I am delighted to announce – began the Minister – that the Evaluation Committee of the Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) has officially recognised the University of Gastronomic Sciences as a private non-state university.”

The Minister added: “I have observed certain aspects of this enterprise that should apply to the entire system of university education: its link with the local region as a social and economic mover; its multidisciplinary approach, which guarantees the bringing together of branches of knowledge that have always been separated; its international dimension, which enables the movement of students and ensures the university becomes a magnet for talented individuals.”

Thanking the Minister, the Regional Governments of Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna, and its institutions and financiers, grouped together as the Association of Friends of the University, for having had faith in a project that was “inconceivable” only a few years ago, Carlo Petrini proudly extolled the University of Gastronomic Sciences as the first of its kind in the world. “We are paving the way for Italy and the whole world, and are building a University that will act as a beacon of excellence for Italy and its image abroad. We are ready to begin the Degree Course in Gastronomy in October and we are working on the Degree Course in Agro-ecology, whose aim will be to focus on the primary economy, that of agriculture.”

Enzo Ghigo, President of the Regional Government of Piedmont, in his speech, made a point of thanking the Regional Evaluation Committee made up of the heads of Piedmont’s universities, student and regional representatives. By supporting this project, the Regional Government has shown itself to be a prime example of institutional cooperation. He also announced that on occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Rivoli, the Regional Government of Piedmont will launch an international sculpture competition, with the aim of producing a work on the theme of Terra Madre, to be donated to the Agenzia di Pollenzo.

Guido Tampieri, Councillor for Agriculture of the Emilia-Romagna Regional Government, stated: “ For us the involvement of Slow Food was a guarantee of seriousness and professionalism in the realisation of a project that the association both witnessed and played an active role in, even at a time when gastronomy was exclusively considered from a folkloric point of view. We were convinced by its truly innovative multidisciplinary approach, a fundamental aspect in building one’s entire university education.”

The University of Gastronomic Sciences is getting ready for the start of its three-year training degree, on the 4th October next, under the best auspices, as an integral element of Italy’s academic and cultural environment. University head, Prof. Alberto Capatti, also announced that five specialization courses and a University Master in Gastronomic Culture for graduates, principally foreign students, will begin in February 2005.

For further information contact: Paolo Enria and Anna Eastman, Public Relations, Association of Friends of the University of Gastronomic Sciences.
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