Did you know that today we rely on very few crop species for human consumption-less than 30 plants for example provide 95% of the world's nutrition. Indeed, in the past century Europe has lost nearly 85% of its agricultural products.

Slow Food launched a series of projects in UK to protect agricultural biodiversity. Through a series of dinners, Slow Food raised funds to defend the UK's agricultural heritage and gastronomic traditions.

Slow Food Oxon in partnership with the Oxfordshire Food Group based at Oxford Brookes University hosted the local fund raising dinner "Celebrate the Taste" on Thursday 18th May 2006 at the historic Headington Hill Hall in Oxford. The event was sponsored by Oxford City Council.

With kind support from our sponsors Grana Padano Cheese, Settesoli Wines and Artisan Cheddar Cheese, we offered a unique opportunity to enjoy a superb four course dinner with appropriate wines and at the same time help save endangered species of animals and types of crops. The meal featured the best of local produce as well as items listed in Slow Food's Ark of Taste and products Slow Food has brought back from the edge of extinction.

The Programme also featured a Slow and local produce raffle, tasting of Slow Food Presidia and Arc of Taste Products, Sicilian Wines & Huehuetenango Highland Coffee, guest speakers and gifts.

Tamara