On April 20 Slow Food President Carlo Petrini to speak alongside EU Commissioners Cioloş and Dalli in a conference focused on local agriculture and small-scale producers taking place in Brussels

On April 20 in Brussels, Carlo Petrini, founder and president of the international association Slow Food will be speaking at the conference “Local agriculture and short food supply chains”, a joint initiative of Dacian Cioloş, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, and John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health.  

The event aims to explore ways and means to mobilise and value the economic potential of local agriculture and short food supply chains. The conference will address issues such as the support to small-scale producers through the CAP and increasing consumer awareness of local farm products.

“I am honoured to be invited to share the experience of Slow Food and to speak on behalf of the thousands of farmers, fishermen, artisans and food communities that make up the movement’s network, “ said Petrini. “The future of small-scale agricultural communities that play a vital role in the defence of landscapes and unique ecosystems is at risk,” he continued. “Current policies concerning rural development have proven to be inadequate in satisfying the needs of these communities. For change to take place, new agricultural paradigms are needed”. 

In 2011, with the position paper Towards a New Common Agricultural Policy, Slow Food launched the Slow Europe campaign, calling for European policies that support sustainable small-scale producers, protect agro-biodiversity and encourage the involvement of young people in agriculture.    

Through its events, projects and large network of members, Slow Food actively works to bring together consumers and producers closer together. “Consuming is the final act of the production process and a consumer must begin to be part of this process,” added Petrini. “By being aware about what we eat, making good, clean and fair choices and supporting short-supply chains, we can influence production, contribute to a better environment and, ultimately, a better life for our farmers and ourselves.” 

Carlo Petrini will be taking part in the closing session panel discussion of the conference, which will see consumer and farmer associations as well as academics and officials from around Europe take part. 

Slow Food is an international member-supported non-profit movement committed to improving the way food is produced and distributed. It counts 100,000 members world wide, hundreds of convivia (local chapters) and Terra Madre communities across all 27 countries of the EU. 

For further information please visit www.slowfood.com/sloweurope