WHAT do pigs, seaweed, cheese and oysters have in common?
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They will be among the topics discussed during the annual National Slow Food Conference later this month in Ulladulla.
Hosted by Slow Food Shoalhaven, more than 100 delegates, artisanal producers, industry representatives, small scale farmers and chefs from Australia will gather at the Ulladulla Civic Centre from August 20-23, to discuss food sustainability.
Slow Food aims to give people access to food that is good for them, good for those who grow it and good for the planet.
The organisation is a global, not-for-profit, volunteer-based organisation with supporters in more than 175 countries.
The theme of the conference will be Changing the Food System, Good, Clean and Fair Food for all Australians.
The conference will cover issues including the protection of Australia’s unique biodiversity, food sustainability, labelling and what is entailed in making food production fair.
Free range pork farmer Pam Johnston from Porkery Hill Produce at Nowra Hill will be among the guest speakers.
Mrs Johnston’s business is based on the principle happy pigs mean good tasting pork.
She was the Slow Food Shoalhaven delegate at last year’s international conference in Italy.
“It’s already huge internationally and it’s getting bigger.
“It’s growing locally also,” she said.
Having the conference here will showcase Shoalhaven to the rest of the nation and international visitors.
“People care about what they eat, we believe people are what they eat and some of the things we eat, I don’t want to become.
“It’s not just our pork, it’s eggs and vegetables – it’s everything.
“If people can be sparked to try to eat locally, eat good food and enjoy time with family and food then we’ve done it right.
“If we can make one person stop and think about what they’re eating and where it’s grown, then I’d say that’s a success,” she said.
One of Australia’s foremost artisan cheese makers, Kris Lloyd, will join other guest speakers in discussing the Slow Food philosophy of good, clean and fair food.
As part of Friday’s Slow Cheeses session, chaired by Slow Food Shoalhaven leader Rosie Cupitt, Ms Lloyd will share her expertise on discovering, experiencing and growing raw milk cheeses for Australia.
Other speakers include Dr Pia Winberg, a specialist in the development of seaweed cultivation; oyster farmer David Maidment from Narooma; and farmer, cook and television presenter Matthew Evans, who will speak about sustainable fishing and food labelling for fish.
The conference is open to Slow Food members and non-members. The program will start with an optional food tour of Shoalhaven producers including a bush tucker forage and dairy, smoked fish, winery, piggery, cheeses and boutique beer tours.
For more information, or to register, visit www.slowfood shoalhaven .com.au.