In the plant world, a tree which loses a branch can regrow it. And, if it’s replanted well, the lost branch can grow new roots and become a plant of its own.
The pandemic has changed the way we live, and has damaged all sorts of relationships; between people, between communities. The crises we were facing before Covid-19 have only gotten worse, in particular regarding social equity and inequality. And they’re made even more complex by the international geopolitical situation.
Now we must see our human community as a plant which, recovering from trauma, must grow new branches. New life. New enthusiasm.
Like trees, there are numerous examples of regeneration in nature, and we can encourage it too: Through new modes of cultivating and caring for the land, we can generate soil that’s been impoverished by monocultures and synthetic chemicals. Through farming on pastures we can regenerate mountain areas and reverse the desolation that follows their abandonment. Regeneration is also something we should aspire to for ourselves, and the food we eat.
Regeneration means radical renewal
If 2020 and 2021 were years of resilience, the 2022 edition of Terra Madre Salone del Gusto will be one of regeneration, of radical renewal and real agroecological transitions that – Slow Food believes – can and must begin with food: by improving our agricultural practices, our systems of production and distribution, our diets and consumption and habits, from the largest cities to the smallest villages.
An edition that will return to Turin and Piedmont with all its colors, aromas and voices. Beyond the physical event in Turin, Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2022 will be a hybrid physical and digital event with a calendar of activities organized by the Slow Food network around the world, for those who cannot travel to Turin.
The regeneration we’re talking about isn’t just the joy of meeting in person again. It’s an act of responsibility, of love and care for our home, the Earth, or Terra Madre.
Regeneration at Parco Dora
We’ve chosen the perfect location to confront these themes: Parco Dora.
It’s a post-industrial park that was home to large automotive factories up until the 1990s. It takes its name from a river, the Dora Riparia, which has itself been the subject of an incredible regeneration.
In the 1950s, the Dora was entombed, i.e. covered with reinforced concrete slabs to create a depository for the storage of scrap metal used in the nearby steelworks. Starting in the 2000s, once the steelworks had closed, the river was uncovered once more, and since 2018 has flowed freely once more: regenerated.
This will be the first time that the event reaches this part of the city, and the symbolism is clear: In a space which once hosted factory smoke and the noise of industry, we will hold the world’s largest international event dedicated to sustainable agriculture, environmental politics and the future of food.
Let’s regenerate together!
At Parco Dora we’ll discuss regeneration from different points of view, focusing on an (eco)-systemic approach and what that means for our food: what is today, and what it should be.
Through immersive exhibition spaces, meetings and educational activities we’ll explore the regeneration of our food systems as a response to climate, health and geopolitical crises: From the regeneration of the soil— agroecology, gardens, meadows, monocultures and urbanization — to that of cities— their relationship with the countryside and the role of food policies — and also of relationships— forms of solidarity relating to food, social agriculture, community economies, gender equality, legality and the dignity of work.
There’ll be an important focus on the three pillars of Slow Food strategy: biodiversity, education and advocacy.