The original programme for this weekend’s first Group of Eight food crisis meeting in northern Italy was a gourmets’ delight.

Plans for Saturday, the first day of the conference, included an “aperitif and gala dinner”, while Sunday’s agenda featured a half-day visit to the Marca Trevigiana region north of Venice, known for its wild asparagus and fine wines. The visit would take in “lunch as well as typical products and wine tastings”, followed by another gala dinner.