The message of Slow Food from Terra Madre Americas in Sacramento, USA

Edward Mukiibi, President of Slow Food  – “Organizing Terra Madre Americas here in Sacramento has been the perfect opportunity to celebrate local producers and food artisans from across the continent – people who prove every day that it is possible to grow good, clean, and fair food while respecting traditions, the environment, and human health. Now more than ever, it is vital to stand together with the entire Slow Food network and delegates from 22 countries, demonstrating that food is community, joy, and politics. Beyond condemning the never-ending suffering endured by innocent people in too many parts of the world, we need to extend our hands and hearts past ourselves and across our national boundaries. Now more than ever, in the Americas and across the world, we must overcome the bubble of nationalism, for a good, clean, and fair world can only exist without barriers, without walls, without individualism, and without discrimination. Food affirms itself as a bridge toward peace and is the perfect example of cross-cultural exchange, of growth through migration and sharing, and this is the principle that inspired the creation of Terra Madre.

Over these days, Terra Madre Americas has given us the space to reflect on how to build stronger and more equitable food systems – by embracing agroecological practices and developing new initiatives such as Slow Food Farms. This work is essential not only globally, but also here in California, where the number of farms is shrinking while food insecurity and lack of access to healthy, affordable food are pressing challenges.

California has always been, and continues to be, a national leader in organic agriculture, providing much of the nation’s fruits, vegetables, and nuts, and excelling in dairy as well as specialty crops like almonds and raisins. When we create food, we are actually taking care of nature, of the soil, of the people and of the future.

Strengthening the partnership with Visit Sacramento, we already look forward to meeting you at the next edition of Terra Madre Americasi in 2027, making this a biennial event held in synergy with Terra Madre Salone del Gusto in Turin, inviting people to learn from each other and to unite the pleasure of food and sharing with the responsibility each of us has to change the world” – Edward Mukiibi, President of Slow Food. 

“Visit Sacramento is grateful to have partnered with Slow Food to bring such an incredible experience to visitors from across the Americas and beyond,” said Mike Testa, President & CEO of Visit Sacramento. “Our shared commitment to creating impactful and immersive programming led to tremendous success. We’ve already started planning together and look forward to the second edition of Terra Madre Americas in 2027.”

Terra Madre Americas Insights
– Terra Madre Americas gathered more than 200 farmers, fishermen, Indigenous peoples and Afro-descendant communities, cooks, food producers, and other activists representing 22 countries, turning Sacramento – the U.S. Farm-to-Fork Capital – into a hub for dialogue on sustainable food systems.
– The event has registered around 160.000 visitors over the three days
– Terra Madre Americas also officially presented the collaboration between Slow Food and the Institute for Cacao and Chocolate Research, setting the ground for future projects and activities.

The event has been organized thanks to the support of Agroecology Fund, Ayni Fund, Bank of America, Caribbean Agroecology Institute, CS Fund, European Union, SMUD, UC Davis Health, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Wilton Rancheria. In partnership with Global Alliance for the Future of Food, International Funders for Indigenous Peoples, Tamalpais Trust.

About Terra Madre Americas
Launched in 2024, Terra Madre Americas is the regional edition of Slow Food’s global gathering, first held in Turin, Italy, in 2004. The event unites food communities from across North, Central, Latin America and the Caribbean to celebrate biodiversity, promote agroecology, and champion food as a force for cultural connection and social justice.

Slow Food 
Slow Food is a global movement that unites local groups and activists around a shared vision: ensuring that everyone has access to food that is good for them, good for the people who grow it, and good for the planet. Founded in Italy in 1986 as a response to the growing industrialization of food and the rise of fast food culture, Slow Food has since expanded its reach to more than millions of supporters in 160 countries worldwide.

Visit Sacramento
As the premier destination marketing and development organization for California’s Capital City, Visit Sacramento plays a lead role in the projects, programs and attractions that bring visitors to the region.
From conventions and sports competitions to music festivals and marketing campaigns, the Visit Sacramento team both secures and creates the promotions and experiences that bring Sacramento to life as a destination. Divisions of Visit Sacramento include Convention Sales & Services, Sports & Entertainment, Destination Experience, Inclusion & Community Engagement and Communications & Marketing. Find out more at visitsacramento.com and @VisitSacramento.

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