A new model of agricultural sustainability for Tuscany and the future of local communities. At the Bertarelli Foundation Forum the presentation of the tenth regional biodistrict: Montecucco.
The new Montecucco Organic District, the tenth in Tuscany, has been officially established, strengthening the region’s role as a national organic leader. This new biodistrict aims to enhance and protect an area with deep-rooted agricultural traditions, promoting a model of sustainable development both environmentally and socioeconomically.
The presentation of the project was held at the Bertarelli Foundation Forum in the presence of the vice president and alderman for agribusiness of the Region of Tuscany Stefania Saccardi. With her were the president of the new district, Francesco Saverio Benedetti, and the mayors of the municipalities of Cinigiano, Civitella Paganico, Arcidosso, Castel del Piano, Seggiano, Roccalbegna and Campagnatico. A significant milestone for the area, which aims to become a model of excellence in organic and sustainable agriculture, both in Italy and internationally.
Tuscany is confirmed as one of the leading regions in organic farming, with more than 37.5 percent of usable area under organic cultivation, compared to a national average of 19.8 percent, and an incidence of organic farms of 13.3 percent, almost double the national figure of 7.4 percent.
The ISMEA data presented in October testify to the region’s role as a virtuous example, now further strengthened by the Montecucco Organic District, which stands out for its high percentage of organic farmland (currently exceeding 56 percent of the Utilized Agricultural Area).
A shared goal: to promote sustainability and biodiversity
The Montecucco Organic District was established with the support of institutions such as the Region of Tuscany, the Southern Tuscany Rural District, CIA, Coldiretti and the Montecucco Farmers Union, to promote agriculture that enhances biodiversity, encouraging a model of sustainable development both environmentally and socioeconomically.
Eight farms currently represent the biodistrict and contributed to its creation: ColleMassari, Salustri, L’Impostino, Franci, Podere dei Fiori, La Pollinosa, Le Colline Amiatine, and Podere Ciuffoni. Eight realities, all engaged in organic farming, representing the beating heart of the District and whose products-from wine to oil, honey to flours, and animal productions-embody the excellence that characterizes Montecucco.
It is a group that is about to grow in terms of participation, with many farms already applying for membership just a few months after the project was announced. All products from participating farms will bear the biodistrict logo on the label, guaranteeing consumers a mark of quality and commitment to the area. Farms wishing to join must meet one essential requirement: at least 30 percent of their production must be certified organic.
Long-term goals and development
The Montecucco Biological District has already identified its next goals, which are divided into three time phases:
- Short-term: raise awareness and further support local producers already engaged in organic farming by expanding the number of farms and promoting awareness of the district through information and communication campaigns.
- Medium-term: consolidate the cooperation network by including the tourism and cultural sector, to enhance the area’s offerings and promote Montecucco as a destination for sustainable tourism.
- Long-term: establish the District as a role model in organic and sustainable agriculture regionally and internationally.
The mission is to have Montecucco recognized not only for the quality of its products, but also as an emblem of sustainability and biodiversity, capable of attracting interest and visibility at trade fairs and through global promotional activities.
With the Montecucco Organic District, the area affirms its commitment to a, organic model of sustainable, inclusive and valuable agriculture that protects natural resources and is committed to leaving a positive and lasting impact on the community and the environment.
A voice of change for the territory
Francesco Saverio Benedetti, President of the Montecucco Organic District and Chief Financial Officer of ColleMassari, said, “Today we celebrate a moment of great importance for our territory: the official recognition by the Region of Tuscany of the Montecucco Organic District.
This milestone is the fruit of an idea born more than a year ago, when we started talking about the possibility of creating an Organic District that could enhance and support our territory. With everyone’s commitment, thanks to extraordinary cohesion and a shared vision, we managed in a very short time to turn this idea into reality.
Today’s is the result of a collective effort that has seen companies, institutions and communities working together to promote sustainable agriculture rooted in our traditions and attentive to the future. The birth of the Montecucco Organic District represents a historic moment for our area. We are working to build a sustainable and inclusive future that highlights the potential of our communities. This project allows us to protect our natural and agricultural heritage and provide new economic and social opportunities for citizens and businesses .”
A commitment to the future of rural communities
Tuscany Region Vice-President and Councillor for Agri-Food Stefania Saccardi added, “Organic Districts are now fundamental in placing an increasing focus not only on agriculture and the protection of production but also on the territorial identity and landscape characteristics of places, on the criteria of environmental sustainability and agricultural soil conservation, and on the protection of agrobiodiversity, which is now strongly threatened by climate change.
Today, the organic district is a strong signal of willingness for a culture aimed at change coming from the territories. For this reason, municipalities and administrators have a fundamental role to play in fostering the creation of an organic district that can initiate a change in mentality toward an increasingly sustainable model.
It is in fact on society and quality of life that the environmental and economic impacts, both positive and negative, of the choices made at the territorial level are also reflected, on basic productions and along the agrifood chain, essentially in terms of food security, employment, health, equity and social inclusion.
For this reason, the organic district represents a tool that goes to strengthen rural communities that put sustainability, both environmental but also economic, at the center of their development program. For this reason, the activities of the Montecucco organic district may also represent an added value for the rural district of southern Tuscany by acting as a driving force with particular regard to an organic approach to managing agriculture and the environment “.
