Base de données des projets PDR

The use of EAFRD co-financing for the encouragement of tourism activities to support the start-up phase of an innovative new Truffle Festival in northern Italy that aims to help add value to the distinctive local forest products.

Truffles are a form of edible fungi that grow underground in specific forest areas and are notoriously difficult to find! Consequently they remain one of the most expensive rural products that exist, fetching up to €1000/kg or more depending on the market and type of truffle. Fabro community in Umbria is famous for its white truffles ('tartufo bianco') which grow in the very specific micro-climates of the forested areas of north-central Italy.

Traditional forest-based products, such as mushrooms and berries, are very popular in Italy. The objective of this project was to help add value to the products collected by one community in the Umbria region by linking them to tourism, gastronomy, cultural heritage and local handicrafts through an Annual Truffle Festival - the “Mostra Mercato Nazionale del Tartufo”.

The project was implemented with two rounds of funding in 2008 and 2009. All project activities focused upon the creation and organisation of the first two years of the Truffle Festival. By 2010 it had become a well-established annual event.

The Truffle Fair has been a huge success with around 50 small food producers benefiting from the opportunity to participate. Visitor numbers have been high due to the uniqueness of the event and the comprehensive range of activities organised. Local institutions, schools and the LEADER LAG were given space to promote their involvement with the local community, whilst many visiting tourists took organised trips into the countryside to meet local farmers and enjoy the traditional landscape.

Non-timber production, such as a truffle plantation, has good potential to support the diversification of the rural economy even where the land is marginal and traditional forestry is declining. However, this requires an integrated approach by linking the uniqueness of local products with a celebration of local history, landscape, culture and gastronomic delights.

Fabro community, Umbria Region

Umbria

Umbria

86 614

https://www.bellaumbria.net/mostra-nazionale-tartufo-bianco-gubbio_eng.htm

Stefano Cilli (Italian NRN - Forestry Task Force)

s.cilli@politicheagricole.gov.it

+39 065 040

English, Italian