ABC 7:30 Report probes food awareness

ABC Television current affairs programme The 7:30 Report last night covered Australia’s developing awareness of Slow Food and people’s growing interest in the source of the food they eat. Presenter Kerry O’Brien said more Australians were shopping at local food markets and even growing their own fruit and vegetables. ‘Real devotees have joined the Slow Food Movement,’ he said, introducing the segment, ‘which was created in protest against fast food. The organisation has supporters in more than 150 countries.’ In a story centred on the visit by Slow Food international president and founder Carlo Petrini to Australia three weeks ago, reporter Tracey Bowden talked with Sydney chef Alex Herbert, Brindabella Ranges’ rare animal breeds farmer Michael Croft, Mangrove Mountain vegetable grower Michael Champion, Sydney school garden co-ordinator Sarah MacMaster and Petrini. Bowden also questioned Petrini about perceptions of food elitism: ‘What do you say to those who believe this is just an elitism movement?’ ‘I do understand the reaction,’ Petrini said’, ‘because I believe in what I call an ‘austere hedonism’. It’s not that we are sad environmentalists. We want happiness, we seek pleasure, but at the same time we also seek sustainability.’

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