Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025: Bacolod Hosts the Landmark Sustainable Food Event
Bacolod City is set to make history by hosting Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025. This will be the first-ever regional gathering of Slow Food’s global movement in Asia and the Pacific. The event is scheduled for November 19–23, 2025, and will take place at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Lagoon. It promises to showcase the region’s vibrant food biodiversity, traditional practices, and sustainable agriculture.
Organized by Slow Food, in collaboration with local governments and industry partners, Terra Madre Asia & Pacific will unite over 2,000 delegates from across the region, including farmers, fishers, chefs, youth, and cultural advocates. This gathering aims to provide a platform for exploring sustainable food systems while celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Asia and the Pacific.
A Unique Celebration of Food and Culture
The event’s theme, “From Soil to Sea: A Slow Food Journey Through Tastes & Traditions,” emphasizes the connection between agriculture, biodiversity, and food systems. Attendees can expect an enriching program featuring:
- Slow Food Market: Showcasing local and international food producers and culinary experts.
- Slow Food Coffee Coalition: A dedicated space for coffee lovers to learn about sustainable coffee practices.
- Taste Workshops: Culinary demonstrations and hands-on sessions focusing on the use of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
- Expert-Led Conferences: Discussions led by thought leaders in agriculture, food processing, and gastronomy on sustainable food practices and policies.
In addition to the conference activities, the event aims to foster collaboration among food producers, chefs, youth, and Indigenous communities. It will also create public awareness around ethical foodways, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture, which are central to the Slow Food philosophy.
Bacolod’s Role in Shaping Global Food Policy
Bacolod City, which was recently named the Slow Food International Hub for Asia Pacific, is becoming a key player in the global sustainable food conversation. The event marks the evolution of previous Terra Madre Visayas events hosted in Bacolod in 2023 and 2024, which helped set the stage for this larger, regional edition.
“Terra Madre Asia & Pacific is a space where grassroots wisdom can shape policy, and where tradition can spark innovation,” says Ramon “Chin Chin” Uy Jr., Slow Food Councilor for Southeast Asia. This milestone event highlights the growing influence of the Philippines in the global Slow Food movement, offering a chance for the Asia-Pacific region to take center stage in shaping sustainable food systems worldwide.
Key Highlights of the Event
- Global Participation: More than 2,000 delegates from across Asia and the Pacific, including farmers, chefs, and food activists.
- Focus on Sustainability: Emphasizing the benefits of organic farming, climate resilience, and the preservation of biodiversity.
- Interactive Experiences: From the Slow Food Market to hands-on workshops, delegates will engage with local and global food communities.
- Local and International Collaboration: The event will facilitate cross-border collaboration between food producers, chefs, and youth, furthering the commitment to ethical food practices.
The Future of Slow Food in Asia and the Pacific
The Terra Madre Asia & Pacific is not just a celebration of food; it’s a pivotal moment for sustainability in agriculture. The event aims to deepen public understanding of organic farming, emphasizing that while organic products might seem more expensive initially, their long-term environmental and health benefits far outweigh the costs.
By fostering these dialogues, the event is shaping a future where traditional food systems are respected and innovation thrives in sustainable ways.
Event Details
- Date: November 19–23, 2025
- Location: Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Lagoon, Bacolod City, Philippines
- Theme: From Soil to Sea: A Slow Food Journey Through Tastes & Traditions
- Expected Attendees: 2,000+
- Program Highlights: Slow Food Market, Coffee Coalition, Taste Workshops, Expert Conferences, Cross-Border Collaboration
- Admission: By invitation, registration for delegates and exhibitors available soon
- Official Website: https://www.slowfood.com
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