30 September 2024 – The project Sicily, European Region of Gastronomy 2025 was presented at the G7 Ministerial meeting on Agriculture and Fisheries (Siracusa, Sicily, 26-28 September), that recently gathered trade associations, businesses, and international delegations to discuss the future of the primary sector.
Under the title Agrofood Productions of Excellence – Sicily European Region of Gastronomy 2025, a conference was organised on 27 September by the Department of Agriculture of Sicily Region, where IGCAT Expert and author of the bid book Sicily – Soul of Mediterranean Gastronomy, Prof. Vincenzo Russo presented the island’s candidacy to the prestigious title, the activities that will be carried out in 2025 and the upcoming IGCAT’s European Young Chef Award 2024, that will be held in Catania, Sicily on 27 November – 1 December 2024.
The event saw the participation of authorities and distinguished speakers such as President of Sicily Region, Renato Schifani; Mayor of Siracusa, Francesco Italia; Councillor for Agriculture of Sicily Region, Salvatore Barbagallo; the Italian Ministry of Agricolture, Francesco Lollobrigida; the Rectors of Sicilian universities, Massimo Midiri (University of Palermo), Francesco Priolo (Università of Catania), Giovanni Spatari (University of Messina), Francesco Tomasello (Università of Enna Kore); representative of Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission, Leonardo Nicolìa; and Councillor for Agriculture of Veneto Region, Federico Caner.
The G7 Agriculture and Fisheries provided also an opportunity to showcase Sicily’s gastronomic delights that were exhibited at a devoted European Region of Gastronomy 2025 stand at the DiviNazione Expo 24 event (21-29 September). Organised in Ortigia (Siracusa) in occasion of the Ministerial meeting, the exhibition hosted producers from the agrifood, fisheries and aquaculture sectors from all over Italy, attracting thousands among local, national and international visitors.
Photo credit: FreshPlaza.it
About the European/World Regions of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded World/European Regions of Gastronomy, guided by IGCAT, are working together to strengthen food security through the celebration of distinctive food cultures; create employment by stimulating creativity and gastronomic innovation; nourish children and adults through culinary and cultural education; drive environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; support balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlight and support expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practises; and contribute to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to protect and promote distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguard our planet, health, wellness and local economies.
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT founded the World/European Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World/European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers Award and the international Food Film Menu.