Torino hosts Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2026 to celebrate biodiversity

The Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2026 event in Torino serves as a major international platform for celebrating biodiversity and food heritage. Italian President Sergio Mattarella inaugurated the event, emphasizing that biodiversity is a crucial challenge for the future and requires both national and supranational policies to protect human health and the environment. The ceremony also honored the legacy of Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini.

Numerous regional and local initiatives are showcased throughout the event. Highlights include the presentation of the traditional chestnut cultivation Presidio, the inclusion of the Poppina apple in the Ark of Taste, and the recognition of the Strazzata di Avigliano. Regional representations from Lazio, Piedmont, and Sicily highlight local specialties, ranging from Piedmontese beer and hazelnuts to Sicilian wines and Limoncella apples from Massa Lubrense.

The event also focuses on social inclusion, featuring stories of individuals who have found professional and personal affirmation through agriculture, such as producers from Bangladesh and Kenya. Additionally, workshops like the Piedmontese bakery laboratory and various tasting experiences aim to connect consumers directly with the origins of their food, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and the preservation of traditional culinary knowledge.