Episode 19: Slow Food International Elisa Demichelis - What Is The Slow Food Movement?

Elisa Demichelis is the Global North Director of Slow Food International.

Elisa Demichelis serves as the Global North Director at Slow Food, where she leads initiatives to promote sustainable food systems and biodiversity in Europe, North America and the Pacific. With a background in languages science and international relations, Elisa has dedicated her career to fostering local food traditions and advocating for food sovereignty. Her leadership at Slow Food emphasizes community engagement, education, and collaboration across borders to achieve a more equitable and sustainable food future. Elisa is passionate about creating synergies between diverse food cultures and advancing the principles of the Slow Food movement globally. Elisa has been working with Slow Food since 2008, starting serving in the position of network coordinator for English-speaking countries (support the creation and development of Slow Food networks, coordinate various projects and initiatives within the territories, and manage their participation in international events). The role then evolved into the Global North Director at Slow Food.

Slow Food is a global movement of local groups and activists united by the common goal of ensuring everyone has access to good, clean and fair food. Founded in Italy in 1986, we are now active in more than 160 countries. We cultivate a worldwide network of local communities and activists who defend cultural and biological diversity, promote food education and influence policies in public and private sectors.

TOPICS EXPLORED

0:00 – 2:00 – Introduction

2:00 – 2:51 – What is Slow Food International and what types of work does it do?

2:51 – 4:39 – How did you become interested in food and agriculture?

4:39 – 6:14 – What is the Slow Food movement?

6:14 – 8:19 – How did Italy become such a critical hub for the slow food movement?

8:19 – 9:55 – What is the history of Slow Food International?

9:55 – 12:06 – How is Slow Food International structured and how does that influence the way the organization works?

12:06 – 14:37 – How does Slow Food International engage with different stakeholders such as individuals, institutions, and chefs?

14:37 – 17:23 – What is a Slow Food Presidium?

17:23 – 19:16 – What are other ways Slow Food International preserves biodiversity?

19:16 – 20:52 – What is the Ark of Taste?

20:52 – 22:42 – What are some of the ways Slow Food International works with activists to shape policy?

22:42 – 23:51 – What are ways the average person can help support the Slow Food movement?

23:51 – 26:25 – What are some of the most exciting Slow Food movement examples of producers and local food systems that you have found most inspiring?

26:25 – 27:56 – Things to share and wrap-up

SLOW FOOD INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION

Slow Food International: https://www.slowfood.com/

RESOURCES

Slow Food Presidia: https://www.slowfood.com/biodiversity-programs/presidia/

Slow Food Ark of Taste: https://www.slowfood.com/biodiversity-programs/ark-of-taste/

Slow Food Ark of Taste Database: https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/

Slow Food Cooks' Alliance: https://www.slowfood.com/biodiversity-programs/cooks-alliance/

Slow Food Travel: https://www.slowfood.com/biodiversity-programs/slow-food-travel/

FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1

RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss

Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet

TAGS

Food

Environment

Health

Podcast

Sustainability

Agriculture

Slow Food

Slow Food Movement

Slow Food International