Italy Sees Link Between Biodiversity and Food Democracy

Slow Food Italia highlights a connection between agricultural biodiversity and democratic food systems in Italy. The organization notes the term “biodiversity” is relatively new, yet crucial for adapting to change and ensuring survival. Over the last seventy years, roughly 75% of agrobiodiversity—selected by farmers over ten thousand years—has been lost due to a focus on efficiency.

Today, just three crops—corn, rice, and wheat—provide about 60% of the world’s calories, making the food supply vulnerable. Sixty-three percent of the seed market is controlled by four multinational corporations that also patent seeds and dominate fertilizer production. This reduction in biodiversity creates a destructive cycle impacting habitats, native species, and soil health.

Biodiversity also encompasses cultural heritage, as communities have developed knowledge and skills over centuries to live in and preserve local ecosystems. Supporting biodiversity means upholding the rights of farmers and building resilient local food systems. The work to protect biodiversity and its benefits continues.