Around 100 delegates, including artisanal producers, industry representatives, small scale farmers and chefs, will gather at the Ulladulla Civic Centre to discuss a range of issues relating to food sustainability during the four-day event.

Two representatives from the Slow Food International head office in Italy will also attend the conference aimed at changing the world’s attitude towards food production and consumption.

Slow Food Shoalhaven president Rosie Cupitt said being chosen to host the event cemented the region’s reputation as a “quality food destination” and would provide an opportunity to showcase the district’s produce and restaurants.

She said more and more people were thinking about where their food comes from and were understanding the need to protect the region’s unique biodiversity.

Slow Food Shoalhaven has 120 members, with about 70 of those based in the Milton-Ulladulla area.

“We are the largest Slow Food convivium in Australia, that’s why we were invited to host the event,” she said.

Rosie said a committee had been working hard to plan the event and to ensure that visitors from all over the country would be impressed by the region’s food and natural beauty.

During the conference delegates will take part in food tours of the northern or southern Shoalhaven, providing an opportunity for them to meet with local producers, before attending a welcome cocktail party at St Isidores restaurant in Milton on Thursday August 20.

A series of presentations, discussions and workshops will be held throughout Friday, Saturday and Sunday based around the conference theme: Changing the Food System - Good, Clean and Fair Food for all Australians.

Rosie said the Slow Food movement was gaining momentum around the world and was not based on using a slow cooker.

“Some people think that,” she laughed.

“Slow Food is about knowing where our food comes from, food sustainability, responsible food supply and production and protection of biodiversity.

“It’s about educating people, especially children, on the pleasures and benefits of good, clean and fair food.”

A global organisation founded in Italy in 1989, Slow Food envisions a world in which all people can access and enjoy food that is good for them, good for those who grow it and good for the planet.

As well as addressing global issues, the conference will provide a chance for local food producers to talk about their businesses and passion for food, including guest speaker Narooma oyster farmer David Maidment who has been farming oysters in Wagonga Inlet since 1979 and recently reintroduced Angasi oysters to NSW.

Pam Johnston from Porkery Hill Produce, a free range pork farm at Nowra Hill, will showcase her business based on the principle of ‘happy pigs means good tasting pork’, while Mollymook marine scientist Dr Pia Winberg will talk about bio food for the Shoalhaven.

Guests speakers will also include the General Secretary of Slow Food International, Paolo di Croce, who will discuss why the global food system is broken and farmer, cook and television presenter Matthew Evans who will give a presentation about sustainable fishing and food labelling for fish.

Guests will enjoy a slow fish dinner at Bannisters Mollymook and a nose to tail - slow meat - long table dinner at Cupitt’s Winery.

Rosie said many delegates had not been to the Shoalhaven and she hopes they will leave the conference and share their experience with their foodie friends.

The conference is open to Slow Food members as well as non-members with limited space available for the presentations and dinners.

Anyone interested in attending one of the events should contact Rosie at Cupitt’s Winery on 4455 7888.