The American University of Rome’s Master’s in Food Studies: Policies for Sustainable Production and Consumption students recently had the opportunity to engage directly with global food leaders and activists at the 20th annual *Terra Madre Salone del Gusto* in Turin. Held from September 27th to 29th, the event, hosted by Slow Food, the city of Turin, and the Region of Piemonte, provided AUR students with a dynamic, real-world setting to explore pressing issues in sustainable food systems and to connect with professionals shaping the future of food.
This year’s *Terra Madre* was held in the unique setting of Parco Dora, a former industrial area transformed into a vibrant hub for this globally recognized gathering. The event drew participants from around the world, creating a diverse, bustling atmosphere that brought together a wide array of food systems actors—producers, academics, chefs, indigenous delegates, artisans, and policymakers. The event’s theme, “We Are Nature,” reflected a focus on biodiversity and the vital connection between humans and the food system, resonating deeply with themes explored throughout AUR’s Food Studies curriculum.
For AUR’s Food Studies students, this field trip offered more than just exposure to the latest trends and discussions in sustainable food production and consumption—it provided a hands-on, professionalizing experience essential for building careers in the sector. Organized by Dr. Rita Salvatore, who teaches the *Food, Rurality, and Local Development* course, the trip encouraged students to actively engage with the event’s content. They attended lectures and seminars on a range of critical topics, from biodiversity and diet, food sovereignty, and the environmental impact of multinational corporations to more niche areas like the role of legumes in climate change mitigation.
Students were also invited to sample a world of artisanal products—teas, coffees, cheeses, meats, honey, and more—while connecting with producers and delegates from places as diverse as Burkina Faso, Taiwan, Kazakhstan, Japan, and Sardinia. The diversity of voices present allowed students to gain insights into the many ways that communities are addressing food challenges globally, helping them better understand the complex interconnections between food, culture, and sustainability.
Beyond the excitement of tastings and networking, AUR students critically engaged with what they observed at *Terra Madre*. While they celebrated the event’s dedication to local food systems, they also identified disparities in access and representation (for example, the delegates from Palestine were barred from the event this year). This critical reflection is a vital skill nurtured within AUR’s Food Studies program, preparing students to think deeply and act thoughtfully within their future careers.
By participating in events like Terra Madre, AUR students not only broaden their academic horizons but also gain invaluable insights into their professional futures. Many students left Turin with potential thesis topics, internship leads, and a clearer vision of their career paths in fields ranging from sustainable food policy to agricultural activism.
The hands-on learning experience provided by this trip highlights AUR’s commitment to offering students opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Through these immersive academic field trips, students develop professional networks and gain a deeper understanding of the real-world challenges and opportunities that await them in their future careers.
As AUR continues to prepare the next generation of leaders in sustainable food systems, these experiences exemplify the university’s mission to combine rigorous academic study with practical, global engagement.