Carlo Petrini

So, so many things he said. I was so inspired I kept forgetting to write it down!

We have learned that multilateralism doesn not work. There are 1 billion malnourished people on the earth. 1 out of 6 humans. This is an epoch-making defeat. Why? The rich, wealthy countries did not keep up with their promises.

It would have required another 30 billions dollars.

Of course, the international bank bailout has totaled over 2,000 billion dollars, which we quickly put together.

WE MUST BE OUTRAGED BY THIS. AND PROUD OF THE FACT THAT WE ARE OUTRAGED BY THIS.

When the price of rice and wheat doubled, it was hard for many. In Italy, 15% of people's income goes to food. It meant cutting back on other things, luxury items, vacations, new houses. In most of the world though, 50 to 80% of income goes to food. When the price doubles, it means PEOPLE CANNOT AFFORD TO EAT.

The time of this shameful, fictional financial system is over. He believes that the market economy can be rejuvenated through giving value on a rural economy and the focus on small-scale production.

Quality, organic food is not a luxury, it is a right for all humans. When you hear somebody say that we should tap the markets of the rich with organic foods, KICK HIM OUT. We produce organic food for all.

He talked about the old farmers started to die off and the need to film them. He urged Slow Food to get out the cameras and go around filming and recording the wisdom of the elders. Especially the indigenous populations who know how to farm with diversity, who knew how to cook and eat with seasonal menus, reduce emissions and provide healthy, nutritious foods.

He talked about pushing towards not refrigerating everything and bringing back full pantries. And eliminating waste.

The third industrial revolution is coming. The first was the steam engine. The second was electricity and fossil fuels. The third is with clean, sustainable energy.

He reminded us that human activity is based on photosynthesis.

The greatest wealth on Earth is our diversity. It is the guarantee that we will evolve. If everyone were the same, there would be no identity.

And he expressed hope that Americans will give the world NEW HOPE ON NOVEMBER 4. That the dream for the world could come true. The world is watching as we cast our ballots.

And he ended with the words of Red Cloud:

We are poor because we are honest. Raise our children to be honest. There is not money in the afterlife. We want only peace and love.

The peasants of the world come together

6000 farmers, educators, chefs, youth and musicians from 153 countries sitting in Torino. Palpable hope fills the room as drums from each of the four directions begins. Dancers from Mamojado, a place I've never heard of, come out in masks, feathers and maybe 50 cowbell-like bells attached to their back enter.

Then the flag procession. The ultimate equalizer of nations. One nation, one flag. Alphabetically. Iraq marching in right next to Iran. The delegation of Mali sitting near me. They stand as their flag passes by. Huge applause for Mexico. Separate flags for the United Peoples of America and the United States of America. And finally, Zimbabwe.

The Nations of Terra Madre.

The third gathering of food communities begins.