ICPHSP3006 

                                                                                                         

“Traditional Food of the Balkans: Their Future in Modern Society”                                                                                                                 Click here to download Pdf file.

 

 

Author:       Georgios A. Fragkiadakis Associate Professor

 

Affiliation:  Technological Education Institute (T.E.I) of Crete

                    Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Trypitos area, 723 00 Siteia, Crete, Greece

 

 

Abstract:

From appetizers, fermented milks and traditional cheeses with probiotics, tomato products, “tahini” products, walnuts, herbs, balsamic vinegars etc, Balkan cuisine utilizes numerous traditional food for every taste. This paper analyses the "survival" of these food as part of "local food systems", a notion proposed by the European Union (europa.eu/rapid/press-release_COR-11-3_el.doc). Local food systems provide environmental benefits through more sustainable production systems. Therefore, the EU Committee of the Regions in the 88th Plenary Session of the 27th and 28th January 2011 (Committee of the Regions on 'Local food systems' -exploratory opinion) - (2011 / C 104/01) recommends that the Commission: Should request Member States to set targets for developing local food systems in the rural development strategy; goals which will be invited to meet local and regional authorities with the support of the EU and national authorities. Should adopt definitions of "local food" and "local food systems", introduce a new logo and identify a common symbol and scheme identity for local products, to be added in the Regulation on the "quality policy of agricultural products". Should introduce a system of direct marketing of registered local products, which will be implemented by the Member States at local and regional authorities. Should consider the amendment of Article 26 of Directive 2004/18 / EC on the coordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts and services, so that the "locale" of products consistently be a selection criterion in tenders for the taking procurement of food supplies, for instance, schools, nursing homes and other public facilities. The Balkan states can adopt similar strategies and cooperate with the EU, in due course.

 

Keywords:

Traditional food, future, Balkan, modern society.