BRA — The tenth edition of the biennial event "Cheese" was launched on Friday, both with the presence of the Slow Food president Carlo Petrini and the leading local authorities. It will be taking place until September 21. 

  During the inaugural ceremony, the Slow Cheese Award was presented to herders and artisan cheesemakers who have turned their back on the shortcuts offered by modernity. Instead, they choose to make cheese with respect for naturalness, tradition and taste, even when hard work will be required. They are also trying to keep alive the heritage of knowledge, skills and nature. 

  The 2015 edition recognizes: André Valadier, renowned producer of Laguiole (France), Guilherme “Capim” Ferreira, young veterinarian and cheesemaker in São Roque de Minas (Brazil), María Jesús Jiménez Horwitz, cheesemaker and campaigner for traditional Spanish cheeses (Spain), Agitu Ideo, Cheesemaker and Mòchena goat farmer from a pastoral community in Ethiopia who immigrated to Trentino-Alto Adige (Italy), Ferdinando

Quarteroni, Farmer of Orobica goats, a Slow Food Presidium breed from Lombardy at risk of extinction (Italy) and Madeleine Hanssen, Producer of raw-milk Herve, a Slow Food Presidium (Belgium). 

  This event has been made possible by the support of companies who believe in the future of the quality of the dairy sector, including the Official Partners: Consorzio Parmigiano Reggiano, Lurisia, Pastificio Di Martino and Radeberger Gruppe Italia. 

  Slow Food is a company that involves millions of people who follow the philosophy of good, clean and fair food. The network is made up of enthusiasts, chefs, experts, young people, food producers, fishers and academics in over 150 countries.