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Forum will celebrate mountain food systems

30.10.2017

The fifth edition of the Forum “Origin, Diversity and Territories” (ODT) will celebrate mountains with the theme “Designing sustainable mountain food systems”, exploring mountainous territories’ richness and dynamism. Taking place on 1 December 2017 in Bulle, Switzerland, in parallel with the Salon des Goûts and Terroirs, the Forum will be co-organized by the Mountain Partnership, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture.

The Forum ODT is an international platform for the exchange of practices and knowledge on cultural and biological diversities, territories and products for which their quality is linked to their origin. The Forum brings together territorial representatives, academics, policy-makers and researchers, engaged in a way of thinking that views identity, origin, quality and local diversities as drivers of territorial development.

During the Forum, Carlo Petrini, founder of Slow Food International, will share the story of his pioneering movement to promote the values of a “good, fair and clean” food, born at the foot of the Alps starting in 1986. The event will bring together international experts and innovators from mountain regions around the world. Small group discussion workshops will provide participants the opportunity to reflect on key issues related to the sustainable development of mountain food systems, including promoting food traditions, linking health and traditional diets, organizational strategies for the valorisation and marketing of local products, and bringing together culinary heritage and tourism. Building on the innovative abilities of mountain communities, the day-long forum will allow for learning, exchanging experiences and sharing knowledge about sustainable food systems.

On 27-30 November 2017, the Forum ODT 2017 will organize a training in Switzerland on the study of collective actions that support mountain products and territories. The training will offer participants learning through a constructed peer-to-peer exchange. Three Mountain Partnership members involved in the Mountain Partnership Products Initiative – the Agency for Development Initiatives, Pan Himalayan Grassroots Development Foundation and Red de Agroindustria Rural del Perú – will participate.

Individuals must complete the online registration form to participate in the Forum ODT.

See the Forum ODT programme 

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Photo: FAO/MINAG/Heinz Plenge