We visited the Association for the Valorization of the Chestnut of Monte Amiata. This association was established in 2000 in order to add value and protect the chestnut Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) of the Monte Amiata and related territory, reports Isabelle Stordeur.

The Monte Amiata Association is also a member of the Slow Food Movement of Tuscany .The product has been granted the European certification under the Protected Designation of Origin system which came into effect in 1992 and regulates the geographical indications: PGI. Chestnut is a traditional crop variety in the area around Mount Amiata thanks to its ideal climatic and soil conditions. It is cultivated at an elevation between 350 and 1000 metres above sea level on a volcanic soil.  The chestnut varieties available in this area are: marrone, bastarda rosa and cecio.

Chestnuts are known to be a precious source of nutrition and has been a staple food source for people in the poorer areas of Tuscany. Thanks to its dietary characteristics and quality, it has allowed people to endure and fulfil nutritional needs during hard times. Chestnuts are also used to feed animals.

The harvest of Chestnut takes place in a  precise calendar period between mid-September and mid-November and is still done through manual labour. Production levels are limited to 12 kg per plant or 1,800 per ha. Part of the harvest is also dried to produce chestnut flour. At the time of the visit, the harvest had been completed and the chestnut producer was processing the dried chestnut to obtain flour.

Our Albanian colleague and retreat guest, Mr Shkelzen Marku was very interested in this type of processor and explored the idea of potentially introducing it in the mountainous area of Albania where chestnut trees are existent. The production cost of Chestnut produce is reasonable and therefore affordable for small producers in rural areas.

The chestnut production in Italy is faced with increasing competition due to the globalization of the Chestnut market. On the European market, the Turkish imports represent a real threat due to its very low prices. The PGI certification and the membership to the Slow Food movement allow small producers like the Monte Amiata Association to distinguish its product from the foreign imported chestnuts and to use specific marketing channels to sell its products. Moreover, the Slow Food movement provides support for marketing and organizes events such as trade fairs to attract tourism and publicize the products of its members.