International Council News from John Cooke UK International Councillor

The 8^th Slow Food Congress is happening this weekend.Initially planned for 2020, this Congress was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the Congress, there will be votes on the adjustment of the structure and the Statute, the election of the Board of Directors of the movement, the election of the Board of Auditors and of the Board of Arbitrators. You can see much more detail about the Congress on this dedicated web page.

The changes will have no impact on how we operate in the nations of the UK, nor will it impact our move to charitable status.

Attending the 8^th Slow Food Congress will be my final act as International Councillor representing Slow Food in the UK. It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve as a Councillor and as part of the UK Board over the past eight or so years.

The idea that food and sustainability were inextricably-linked and biodiversity needed defending seemed fringe eight years ago. But now our founding principles are front and centre in the debate as we confront and try to mitigate the impact of our food system on this precious planet.

Of course, nothing In the Slow Food world would happen without great people, and I would like in particular to thank Shane Holland and Elisa Demichellis, our Slow Food International representative at HQ, for their unstinting support and hard work.

Also, all the Board Members, National and Covivium leaders, heads of programmes like the Ark of Taste and Cooks’ Alliances, thank you for leading Slow Food to where we are now. Plus, all the volunteers and supporters, who give their time so generously, we can’t do it without you.

I’m sure I’ll see many of you at Terra Madre Salone de Gusto in Turin in September where we can raise a glass together to this extraordinary movement for good, clean and fair food for all. Salute!