IGCAT Newsletter Second Quarter 2025

 

IGCAT Newsletter Second Quarter 2025 IGCAT VOICE

The term regenerative has emerged as a powerful global benchmark, an aspirational standard that forward-thinking stewards of our planet are striving to understand, embody, and weave into their lives, work, and worldview. From chef to farmer, the connection completes the circle - a non-extractive cycle of giving, receiving, and restoring. Though I wasn’t consciously aware of it in my youth, the values of a regenerative life were instinctively woven into my upbringing, nurtured by the spirit of the Northern Rivers in Australia.

Imagine a region of lush volcanic landscapes, where mountains meet the sea, giving rise to nutrient-rich soils, pristine rivers, and thriving ecosystems filled with diverse flora and fauna - all living in harmony. This is my home. The Northern Rivers, at Australia's most easterly point, meets the Pacific Ocean and welcomes millions of travellers each year. Our community works diligently to preserve this natural beauty through shared values and mindful choices, embracing a regenerative connection between agriculture, gastronomy, and agritourism. We are now witnessing a powerful consolidation of this promise - a return to the regenerative wisdom of the Pacific Islands. Through an exchange program developed in partnership with Regenerative Vanua and the Regenerative Stewardship Collective, 2025 saw the inaugural gathering of leaders in regenerative agriculture, gastronomy, and agritourism from both Vanuatu and the Northern Rivers. Read more about the Pacific Farmer-to-Farmer Regenerative Exchange This initiative has been the culmination, and highlight, of my life’s journey. In collaboration with IGCAT and Regenerative Vanua, our future of knowledge sharing, connection to source, healthy living, and meaningful tourism is taking root and flourishing. In conclusion it brings me great pleasure to advocate for our Northern Rivers Region, Australia, as a Contender for the IGCAT World Region of Gastronomy Awards. Its geographic location, demographic details, rich indigenous and multicultural culinary experiences, in addition to its diverse influence of community driven connection. We are a region of abundance portraying traditional global influences all in its own unique way. From the land the farmer cultivates, the ocean we respectfully harvest to the plate our chefs celebrate the local story of Gastronomy, we believe we have much to share with the world in 2028!A region destined for IGCAT recognition. It is truly an extraordinary time to be alive and to share this story. I look forward to hearing yours. Welcome to my circle, where we sit, listen, and share as equals. Pepe Fassos Five Sixty Farms

News from IGCAT and the World Regions of Gastronomy

Catalonia Celebrates Gastronomic Excellence with New Campaign 30 June 2025 - Catalonia officially launched the campaign “Catalunya, La Millor Cuina del Món” (Catalunya: The Best Cuisine in the World) to mark its title as a World Region of Gastronomy awarded by IGCAT. The launch took place at the iconic Palau de la Música Catalana… Read more

Manabí officially Awarded World Region of Gastronomy 2026 29 June 2025 - IGCAT has Awarded Manabí the prestigious title of World Region of Gastronomy 2026, recognising the province’s outstanding commitment to celebrating its rich gastronomic traditions, cultural heritage, and sustainable, community-driven tourism. The awar… Read more

Open Call for World and European Regions of Gastronomy 2029 Join IGCAT’s growing Platform and work with us to protect and promote your cultural and food diversity! Deadline for joining the Platform: 30 Jan. 2026 Deadline for applications: 31 May 2026 For more information: Open Call for World Regions of Gastronomy 2029

Central Dalmatia Takes a Step Towards Becoming European Region of Gastronomy 2027 7 May 2025 - Central Dalmatia officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IGCAT, confirming its candidacy for the European Region of Gastronomy 2027 title. The signing was celebrated during the 29th Platform… Read more

Highlighting the Power of Plastic Free July to Drive Systemic Change 16 April 2025 - The impactful potential of reducing single-use plastics to foster both cultural and systemic change took centre stage during the webinar The Power of Plastic Free … Read more

29th Platform Meeting of the World Regions of Gastronomy successfully held in Sicily 12 May 2025 – The 29th Platform Meeting of the World Regions of Gastronomy took place in Sicily in May 5-9 2025, bringing together regional representatives, cultural and food experts, and key stakeholders committed to ... Read more

Dobrogea strengthens Romania’s already strong presence in the Regions of Gastronomy Platform 12 May 2025 - Dobrogea has officially become a candidate for the European Region of Gastronomy for 2029, following in the footsteps of Sibiu (2019), Harghita (2027) and Banat (2028 candidate). The signing of the MOU… Read more

Banat becomes an official candidate European Region of Gastronomy 2028 12 May 2025 - In a significant milestone for Romania’s culinary landscape, Banat officially signed a MOU with IGCAT, confirming its candidacy for the European Region of Gastronomy 2028 and entry into the World region of Gastronomy Platform. The signing … Read more

IGCAT’s 2025 World Food Gift Challenge Awards 12 Outstanding Products in Sicily 12 May 2025 - In celebration of food heritage and cultural identity, IGCAT’s 6th World Food Gift Challenge recognised 12 exceptional food and food-related craft products, selected by an international jury of experts. Hosted by Sicily, European Region of Gastronomy… Read more

Building Regenerative Gastronomy through Verified Food Systems Webinar 14 May 2025 - We recently explored how regenerative, verified food systems can contribute to building more resilient and self-reliant gastronomy regions in the webinar “Building Regenerative Gastronomy through Verified Food Systems“, hosted by IGCAT in...Read more

Central Dalmatia recommended for the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2027 23 May 2025 - An international jury of five esteemed experts covering different sectors, accompanied by IGCAT’s President, Dr. Diane Dodd, convened to evaluate Dalmatia’s application for the title of European Region of … Read more

IGCAT shares strategies for stakeholder engagement and creative storytelling 12 June 2025 - How culture, heritage, or tourism can drive social innovation and sustainable development was the central focus of the 12th Training Academy on Cultural Routes… Read more

Global Culinary Progress Celebrated at IGCAT’s 36th Advisory Forum and 12th Annual General Meeting 18 June 2025 - IGCAT’s 36th Advisory Forum and 12th Annual General Meeting brought together 42 participants across multiple time zones. The event united global voices to support food diversity, sustainability, and culture. Held on… Read more

Cap Bon Becomes First African Region to Join World Region of Gastronomy Platform 19 June 2025 - In a landmark development for African and MENA countries, Cap Bon (Tunisia) has been officially welcomed as a candidate for the World Region of Gastronomy 2028 Award, further reinforcing IGCAT’s global commitment to diversity, cultural… Read more

Current news from around the globe

Are philanthropists destroying African farms? By The Guardian 3 April 2025 - This documentary highlights growing calls from African farmers to reclaim food sovereignty and, questions whether philanthropy is helping or hindering sustainable… Read more

Gloria Guevara Declares the Need for a New Era for Global Tourism By Tourism and Society Think Tank 22 April 2025 - Speaking at the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macao, Gloria Guevara, Chief Special Advisor at the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, called for a transformative … Read more

IGCAT Contributes Expertise to World Shiology Forum’s Global Food Systems Report With World Shiology Forum 24 June 2025 - The session brought together global experts to review a restructured draft report, which now features a more concise, problem-driven layout of 10 chapters… Read more

IGCAT Supports Slow Food’s Call for a Radical Overhaul of EU Agrifood Trade Policy With Slow Food 24 June 2025 - IGCAT, proud partners of Slow Food, was present at the online seminar held on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, to launch the new policy brief: “What’s the Deal? Making EU Agrifood Trade Work for Better Food Systems”… Read more

IGCAT carries out research, collects knowledge and develops projects to support creative solutions in regional and local development. This newsletter is just a small selection of news from the past three months. IGCAT compiles trends and facts from around the world. www.igcat.org info@igcat.org

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