Carlo Petrini, the influential activist and journalist who championed sustainable agriculture and traditional culinary practices for over four decades, has passed away at the age of 76. Petrini died in his hometown of Bra, located in Italy’s Piedmont region, leaving behind a legacy that transformed how the world perceives food production and consumption.

The movement began in 1986 as a grassroots response to the opening of a fast-food restaurant in Rome’s Piazza di Spagna. What started as a small group of friends protesting the encroachment of industrial food culture quickly evolved into a global phenomenon. By 1989, the Slow Food Manifesto was established, formalizing a commitment to “good, clean, and fair food” and the preservation of regional food traditions against the rise of standardized, mass-produced meals.

Under Petrini’s leadership, the organization expanded into more than 160 countries, bridging the gap between farmers, artisans, and consumers. His advocacy for environmental sustainability and equitable labor conditions earned him international recognition and high-profile alliances, including notable connections with King Charles III and Pope Francis, both of whom shared his dedication to ecological stewardship and food ethics.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella paid tribute to Petrini, noting that his passing leaves a significant void in both the scientific community and society at large. As the movement continues to advocate for biodiversity and the protection of local food systems, Petrini is remembered as a visionary who successfully challenged the global fast-food culture by emphasizing the cultural and social importance of what we eat.