THE Slow Food movement is gaining ground in Negros, according to Ramon "Chinchin" Uy Jr., one of the founding members of Slow Food Negros Island.

Slow Food Negros Island is now composed of 30 chefs, farmers, and restaurateurs, he said.

It was established in April 2012, and is now recognized by Slow Food International, he added.

The Slow Food advocates believe that "Everyone has the right to good, clean and fair food."

The Slow Food Negros is one of the exhibitors at the 1st Organic Weekend Market at The District Northpoint-Ayala mall over the weekend.

Joeri Arro, one of its members, held a Slow Food cooking demo Saturday noon to highlight the traditional ways of cooking food.

Slow Food is an international movement founded by Carlo Petrini in 1986. Promoted as an alternative to fast food, it strives to preserve traditional and regional cuisine and encourages farming of plants, seeds and livestock characteristic of the local ecosystem.

It was the first established part of the broader Slow Movement, with goals of promoting sustainable foods and promotion of local small businesses.

Uy, who is also the president of the Organik na Negros! Organic Producers and Retailers Association (ONOPRA) that organizes the Organic Weekend Market, said Slow Food aims to do away with preservatives and artificial ingredients in our cuisines, and discourages shortcut methods of cooking.

For them, natural and organic food cooked in traditional method is the healthier option.

Excerpt from:
Slow Food featured in Organic Weekend Market