Slow Food’s "Ark of Taste"

While exploring Seattle's local slow food movement, I came accross this post on Slow Food's "Ark of Taste":


Shown to the left is a recent Washington nomination from Vashon Island.

http://slowfoodseattle.wordpress.com/2010/12/07/sugarhubbardsquash/
I have mixed feelings about this program. To quote the blog:

Through the Ark of Taste program, Slow Food USA has a catalog of over 200 delicious foods in danger of extinction. Since 1996, more than 800 products from over 50 countries have been added to the international Ark of Taste. By promoting and eating Ark products we help ensure that they remain in production and on our plates.

Should this be a key part of the Slow Foods movement? First, let's look at the positive:

---As the post states, promoting these "under the radar" foods will potentially benefit the communities that are producing them, either through tourism or production.

---As Dr. Pena has said, diversity is the key to resiliance- by saving endagered foods, we are ensuring food remains a diverse, real experience.

---Through Ark of Taste, others may learn more about the slow food movement and be prompted to get involved.

And now, the negative (in my opinion):

---This portion of the slow foods movement seems like some kind of specialty/ elite club that is not for everyone. I makes me feel excluded, personally.

---It is not immediatly apparent that this movement is supposed to help the communities the food comes from- it seems more like a competition at first glance

---Does it actually work? It's hard to know.

Overall

What I'm getting at here is I think the focus is in the wrong spot. The Ark of Taste program is good for publicity, but I cannot see it bringing any lasting changes. It is good to know that this movement is alive and well in Seattle, but I think the "Ark of Taste" is unecessary. It might be a better idea to find out why these unique dishes are going extinct, and work to modify the system, rather than pick and choose, letting only an elite few in while the rest disappear forever, as if they weren't worth anything.