Photo Contest

From pasture to plate

The best way to a person's heart is through their stomach – and the best way to showcase the role of food in the Alps is to dedicate a photo contest to it! For this reason the Slovenian Presidency of the Alpine Convention and the Permanent Secretariat are dedicating the 2023 Photo Contest to Alpine food, its production, and heritage.

The Alpine region is a place of unique landscapes, fascinating nature, and diverse cultural traditions. It is home to almost 15 million people who are spread across its valleys and slopes. Different languages and numerous dialects characterise this special place, which is at the same time shaped by shared histories and processes.

Nonetheless, there is one thing that can always bring the people of the Alps together: food, Essen, nourriture, cibo, hrana! Across the Alps, from the highest plateaus to the lowest valleys, food is an integral part of Alpine traditions and cultural heritage.

Experiencing the delights of tasty, high-quality, locally produced Alpine cuisine is one of the many reasons visitors come to the region each year. From the Mediterranean foothills to the northern ridges, the Alps are known for their diverse dairy, meat and other products from cows, sheep or goats. Moreover, our mountains also offer a huge variety of fruits and grains, herbs, and sauces – not to mention sweet dishes made using such ingredients!

However, it is not only about the meal that lands on our plates or the stalls of our markets. Behind these products lie many months, often years, of hard work from farmers and shepherds across the Alps. Sustainable mountain agriculture means working with the scarce and steep land, the challenging weather conditions, carefully choosing the appropriate crops and breeds, and, increasingly, adapting to climate change. Recognising and appreciating the origins of our meals is just as important as enjoying them.

Agriculture is the foundation of Alpine food and cultural heritage and has been shaping the landscapes of the Alps for centuries, which is why this photo contest is also dedicated to the origins of our food and drink, in addition to the final products. A good meal is typically rooted in tradition, made up of locally or regionally sourced ingredients, and supports Alpine farmers.

We invite you to share your appreciation for Alpine food heritage and help make the 2024 calendar a feast for the eyes by sending us your contributions by 18 September 2023.

Awards and prizes

The thirteen best photos will be included in the 2024 edition of the Alpine Convention’s calendar and the photographers of the winning photos will receive Alpine Convention gifts.

Of the thirteen selected photos, the Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention will choose the three best unique photographs and award them the three following prizes:

• 1^st prize: € 500
• 2^nd prize: € 350
• 3^rd prize: € 200

Call and submission criteria

Submission link

Poster