Carlo Petrini

Carlo Petrini

Carlo Petrini (born June 22, 1949) is an Italian sociologist, activist, and the founder of the Slow Food movement. He is known for his efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, local food traditions, and biodiversity.

Early Life and Education

Carlo Petrini was born in Bra, Piedmont, Italy. He studied sociology at the University of Trento, where he developed an interest in food culture and social activism.

Career

Founding of Slow Food

In 1986, Petrini founded the Slow Food organization in response to the opening of a McDonald's restaurant near the Spanish Steps in Rome. The movement advocates for the preservation of traditional and regional cuisine, encourages farming of plants, seeds, and livestock characteristic of the local ecosystem, and promotes sustainable food production.

Terra Madre

In 2004, Petrini launched the Terra Madre network, which connects food communities, chefs, academics, and youth to promote sustainable food systems globally. The network holds biennial conferences in Turin, Italy, bringing together thousands of delegates from around the world.

Publications

Carlo Petrini has authored several books on food culture and sustainability, including Slow Food Nation: Why Our Food Should Be Good, Clean, and Fair and Terra Madre: Forging a New Global Network of Sustainable Food Communities.

Awards and Recognition

Petrini has received numerous awards for his contributions to food culture and sustainability, including the Carlo Scarpa Prize for Gardens and the UNESCO Gandhi Medal.

Personal Life

Carlo Petrini continues to live in his hometown of Bra, Piedmont, where he remains actively involved in the Slow Food movement and other sustainability initiatives.

Related Pages

• Slow Food
• Terra Madre
• Sustainable agriculture
• Biodiversity
• Local food

See Also

• Alice Waters
• Michael Pollan
• Vandana Shiva