Publications & Media

PROJECT OF THE MONTH:

A short supply-chain revitalises the Cosenza fig!

The competitiveness of the fig production sector in Calabria, Southern Italy is being increased through supply-chain innovation, new production methods and strengthened cooperation.

Low profitability, small family holdings, and generational renewal issues were all contributing factors to the falling production of figs, the traditional produce of the Cosenza province, since the 1990s. A coalition of public and private sector actors, from individual farmers to food processors to the local LAG, have now joined forces in a large-scale project to combat the decline in fig cultivation.

The EAFRD is contributing €8.9m - or a little over 50% - to this ambitious effort whose aim is to promote production diversification and quality and to strengthen local entrepreneurship. The creation of a Protected Denomination of Origin label (‘Fichi di Cosenza’) has been a real driver of change. New production systems, sterilisation techniques and innovative packaging are being introduced.

The Cosenza fig, “is a product of great value,” says Salvatore Rosa, Head of the Cosenza Figs Consortium, “but by its very nature is very delicate and perishable. Therefore, we decided to create packaging which preserves freshness and maintains the excellent sensory characteristics that make it truly special."

The creation of advisory services for the sector is helping to modernise cultivation methods. Fig production profitability is increasing as is the viability of many farms. The creation of a short supply chain has also increased market opportunities and encourages a more balanced redistribution of financial margins across the supply chain.

A key insight arising from this project is that genuine cooperation between different partners assists the flow of new ideas across the supply chain. Strong leadership is needed to maintain the overall vision of the supply-chain while advisory services support the necessary communication between researchers and entrepreneurs.

Find out more about this great project on the RDP Database and check out the official website of the Cosenza fig project.