I read in the newspapers that “between 2008 and 2012 the level of employment in Italy fell 10% off. However restaurants, catering and also part of the food chain (such as the farmer markets and discount stores). ” are slightly growing up (6% – data FIPE) .
The economic recession seems to have toned down the orthodoxy of Italian consumers with a new practice called the “polytheism food”; a sort of patchwork of subjective points, and products purchased in different places. Those who consume quality products do not mind buying canned food; those who do shopping in small groceries look for fresh food close to home or surfing on internet, also buy food in supermarkets and discount stores.

We therefore become “consumers of everything,” almost with no food taboos. On the other hand, however, we appreciate the quality of products, we defend the excellent food that we have been able to create over the centuries.
Nowadays, I realized that we usually go to restaurants, typical “trattorie”, pizzerias and snack bars to enjoy with friends, somebody special or business, but rather as a “new transgression”: occasional freedom to eat what we like.

We are aware that what we eat is the source of life, culture, work, respect for the wildlife. Food is also a source of work, money and wealth. “Mens sana in corpore sano” taught the Romans. The majority of the world loves to eat our food because the Italian culture is in it . Who is responsible for training and research?
Some time ago I had read on the Internet: “This morning 12 young Chinese have got diploma of participation in training courses on the Italian cuisine and the excellent food from Umbria organized by the “Perugia Food and Flavors University” (Università dei Sapori di Perugia). If I want to know more about it, I’ll just have to drive my car for few miles. Let’s check how they do research.

The chief executive Maurizio Beccafichi at the futuristic center for research and training of Montebello: “Our training center has been developing skills, abilities and culture of food in Umbria, Italy and to the world for 17 years.” It looks like a real “gym” gastronomic, where skills are acquired through a methodology focused on “know-how to do it”. I was shown also the awards and the center which is nowadays one of the most qualified and accredited in Europe and in the World.

The long economic recession and the current Italian political stagnation, are turning up the unemployment rate as the highest since 1992 (39% under 24 years old, 12.5% overall). But here I find a smile. One glimmer of optimism given by who knows what he’s doing, aware of the importance of our culture as a source of employment for many people. 8 out of 10 students find a job in Italy or abroad as aid chef, cook, baker, ice cream man, pizza chefs and bartenders.

Future successful professionals? Some more cover-player’s chefs? Perhaps none of these, or maybe yes. These guys chose a lifestyle that goes far beyond performing a TV show. This work is an art well paid most of the time, where professional attitude and creativity is required.

“We train future masters – Maurizio Beccafichi says – and encourage the employment in the food and wine industry. Education is also promotion. The culture of food and the enhancement of our authenticity, are promoted especially here. For instance the equipment and the rooms available assure the best work environment at the international partners acquired over the years. The Center organize fairs, workshops, meetings, courses, develop design, and much more ….Experimentation and research are at the heart of development.

It is indeed true that that Italy is more certified products than any other European Country with a total of 246 of the 1,111 registered. We should also keep in mind that “The Mediterranean Diet” has been listed among the Heritage Assets of Humanity by UNESCO.
While the sunset is coming up, I’m back home. I feel happier than usual to prepare a good dinner tonight! I guess because I understand the meaning of the proverb”we are what we eat”.

written and posted by Giovanni Belia