Slow Food Farms is a new project by Slow Food International to create the largest global network of agroecological farms. The program was launched at Terra Madre in Turin in September 2024.
Slow Food considers agroecology essential for a future where everyone has access to good, clean, and fair food. In brief, agroecology is a science, a set of practices, and a social movement. These principles consider social, ecological, and economic dimensions, leading towards sustainable food systems. Farmers in the Slow Food Farms network either already work within the principles of agroecology or are committed to adopting them.
The First Accelerator in the Nordic Region
The first and vital step of the Slow Food Farms program is training accelerators among Slow Food leaders, activists, and members. These accelerators are responsible for identifying farms to join the network.
The first accelerator in the Nordic countries is Michaela Saax, the chairperson of Slow Food Stockholm. She is a dedicated food activist working tirelessly for sustainable food systems. Saax, one of the first thirty trained accelerators worldwide, has been piloting the program in Sweden since the summer of 2024. Her task includes visiting farms, discussing the program with farmers, and nominating the first Nordic farms to join the program.
“We follow the same framework for the program in the Nordic region as in other parts of the world. As accelerators piloting the project, our task has been to find a common language and learn from different parts of the world”, Saax explains.
Training on Agroecology
As the first accelerator of the program in the Nordic region, Saax led a training session in November for aspiring accelerators to expand the program across the Nordic countries.
The accelerator’s role is to identify farms in the Slow Food community across the Nordic region that either practice agroecological methods or are interested in transitioning. The next step is to nominate these farms into the network.
“The training gives a foundation in agroecology, sustainable farming, and the process of nominating farms. As accelerators, we may not be experts on agroecology, but we serve as the bridge between the farm and the values of Slow Food, creating collaborations”, says Saax.
The Benefits of a Global Network
There are many farm networks in the Nordic countries at local, regional, and national levels. What sets Slow Food Farms apart from other networks is its global approach and the opportunity to interact and exchange knowledge with farmers worldwide.
Farmers can also benefit from existing initiatives within the Slow Food organization, such as The Slow Food Cook’s Alliance, Slow Food Travel, and Slow Food Presidia, with efforts ranging from farm to fork.
“Being a part of the Slow Food Farms network is a recognition of the farm and its practices, not a certification”, Saax explains.
Saax also highlights the opportunity to collaborate with Slow Food convivia and communities in the Nordic countries and, for example, create events, local projects, and activities.
Slow Food Farms as a Way of Enhancing Food Culture
When asked what the characteristics of Slow Food Farms in the Nordic region will be, Saax believes we could be even more proud of our food culture.
“Compared to many other countries, we are not as good at preserving food culture in the Nordic region. Within the Slow Food network, there are many possibilities to collaborate that can strengthen our food culture and enhance it through experiences and food tourism, says Saax.
Join the Slow Food Farms Program
Slow Food members, activists, and leaders in the Nordic region interested in joining the project should keep an eye out for more training sessions for accelerators in 2025. During the training, you will learn about the key elements of agroecology, Slow Food’s approach to agroecology, and how to identify and nominate a farm for the Slow Food Farms network.
Learn more about Slow Food Farms
- Read about the program on the webpage of Slow Food International.
- Listen to the Slow Food, The Podcast episode about Slow Food Farms. Slow Food President Edward Mukiibi and Michaela Saax join the discussion in the episode.
- Watch the Slow Food Farms trailer.
