WHAT WE DO
Our first responsibility is to record any endangered foods or breeds which have a place in our food heritage. To qualify for entry into the Ark, food products must be:
- Outstanding in terms of taste as defined in the context of local traditions and uses
- Threatened biologically or as culinary traditions
- Traditionally produced
- Historically linked environmentally and socio-economically to a specific area
- Produced in limited quantities, by farms or by small-scale processing companies
Ark products must be produced in accordance with general Slow Food campaigns and adhere to 'good, clean and fair' principles:
- GM or GM-based products are forbidden
- No product using a trademark or commercial name may be introduced to the Ark
- The use of the Slow Food logo on products or packaging is forbidden
Product categories include vegetables, fruits and berries, nuts, cereals, cheeses, fish, shellfish, game, livestock, poultry, beverages, honey, spices, syrups, vinegars, and more. For a complete list of Ark categories, click here.
Support & Education
Many endangered foods and breeds fall out of favour because they do not fit into the modern industrial food system. Although they may still be produced on a small scale, their flavours, fragrances and textures slip into obscurity
Through action we can help preserve these foods. Our Slow Food groups around the country support producers of Ark products by raising awareness, holding events which celebrate these special foods and by educating others about them
