The Slow Food Community of Negros mounted its first “Earth Market” where consumers met local producers showcasing their local products and cuisine in Silay City, Negros Occidental, Saturday, May 27.
About 16 exhibitors composed of Negros-based restaurants and farmer associations participated in the one-day event held at Casa Gamboa in Silay.
The farmers participating in the event came from Silay, Bago and Victorias citiies, and Murcia town.
Slow Food Negros President Reena Gamboa said that “Earth Market” is one of the slow food movement components where consumers get to meet the farmers themselves.
The event’s theme was “Good, Clean, and Fair Food for All”.
“The earth market is not just a venue for earning money. It is where consumers get a chance to talk to the farmers and learn how a food source is grown and it’s uses,” she said.
This is the first Earth Market in Negros recognized by Slow Food International. They plan to do it monthly and the next one will be on June 24.
During the event talks on food heritage, food authenticity and traceability, and Philippine edible trees and crops, and food demonstrations on Bago River Eel cooking and ingredients from foraging were held.
“Slow food believes in good, clean and fair food for all and the main protagonists are the farmers,” she said, adding “It is through the farmers that we can protect our food sources which leads to eventually not only meeting the issue of food security but also helps to protect our biodiversity and our culinary heritage.”*