Slow Food’s Post

Right now, Slow Food board member Francesco Sottile and President Edward Mukiibi are attending the Stati Generali del Riso (Rice General Assembly) in Vigevano (Lombardy, Italy), a gathering dedicated to the future of rice and its crucial role in agricultural biodiversity. “Rice nourishes communities and shapes cultures. Yet the erosion of its biodiversity threatens our resilience and the sustainability of our food systems. Protecting and promoting the countless varieties born from farmers’ wisdom is a collective responsibility. Through agroecology, working with nature to sustain biodiversity, empower farmers, and strengthen food sovereignty, we can ensure rice remains a symbol of life, diversity, and hope for generations to come. I warmly welcome the birth of the Slow Rice Coalition in Italy, and I hope it will soon grow into a powerful global movement for the protection of rice biodiversity." Edie Mukiibi, President, Slow Food. Reflecting this vision, a major milestone of the event is the launch of the Slow Rice Coalition in Italy, a dynamic alliance of farmers, researchers, cooks, consumers, and activists committed to preserving rice biodiversity, countering the risks of genetic uniformity, and promoting resilient, locally adapted varieties. The event provides a valuable platform to exchange knowledge from the 33 Italian provinces where rice is grown, fostering a discussion on sustainable practices that support both biodiversity and agricultural livelihoods. Our sincere thanks to Stefano Bocchi and the University of Milan for organizing and hosting such an important event. #agroecology #SlowFood #RiceBiodiversity #SustainableAgriculture #FoodSystems #Italy #StatiGeneraliDelRiso #SlowRice