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Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR

Increasing competitiveness through Integrated Supply-Chain: the fig of Cosenza

Summary

The production of figs in Cosenza has been falling. The project contributed to reversing this through the creation of an organised -supply chain, by introducing new production methods, and strengthening cooperation between stakeholders.

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Background

Low profitability, small family holdings, and difficulties with generational renewal are all factors that have contributed to the falling production of figs, the typical product of Cosenza, since the 1990s. A range of public and private sector stakeholders (including producers groups, single farmers, food processors, the regional agency, and the LAG) took the decision to work together in order to reverse this tendency of abandoning the region and the cultivation of this traditional product.

Objective

The broader aims of this integrated project were to: i) promote production diversification and quality; ii) strengthen local entrepreneurship. With the specific objectives being to: set up an organised supply chain; create the Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) label “Fichi di Cosenza”; introduce modern and innovative cultivation methods and increase the profitability of fig production; redistribute in a more balanced and equitable fashion the financial margins across the supply chain.

Main activities

The main activities of this integrated project were: the defining and implementation of the PDO production regulations; the introduction of new production systems, sterilization techniques, and innovative packaging; the restructuring of the drying greenhouses; the creation of advisory services for the fig farmers; the dissemination of the new ideas developed in this project; participants in the project benefited from funding coming from several RDP measures, specifically 111, 114, 123, and 124

Results & Benefits

The actions of this project resulted in several positives for the fig production sector. Firstly the creation of an organised supply chain and the recognition of the PDO fostered a newfound cooperation between the different parties involved in the sector. This led to a greater transfer of knowledge and experiences and also the creation of new market opportunities. The project also resulted in increasing fig production and consequently the improved economic viability of many farms.

Lessons learnt

This project provided numerous insights. Firstly cooperation between different partners assists the dispersal of new ideas across the supply chain. Also strong leadership maintains the overall vision of the supply-chain while advisory services can aid in the identification of necessities and ensure communication between researchers and entrepreneurs. Negatives were that the administrative procedures and lack of support from banks led to difficulties and so delayed the execution of the project.

Project location and other information

Valley of Crati and Esaro in North Calabria, province of Cosenza.

Region

Calabria

RDP Territory

Calabria

Total project cost (€)

17 357 455

EAFRD contribution (€)

8 916 818

Private contribution (€)

8 449 736

Contact name

Salvatore Rosa

Telephone

+39 0984506252

Languages for contact

English, Italian

Document attachment

At a glance

Country

Italy

Final beneficiary type

Individual farmers, Producer groups, Non-farm or non-forest entreprises, Public/local authorities, Local Action Group, Other

Budget range

> €500 000

Start date:

10/11/2010

End Date:

31/12/2013

Theme / Measure:

• Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
• Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
• 124: Cooperation for development of new products, processes and technologies

Keywords:

Agricultural method, Fruit, Innovation, Competitiveness , Cooperation

Last update

14/12/2012