The NEN Retreat in Tuscany from 3 to 5 November 2010 was an opportunity to understand the European Programme LEADER (Liaisons Entre Actions de Développement de l’Economie Rurale) and the Slow Food movement, reports Sandrine Jacqueson. LEADER appears to be a good programme to develop/enhance public and private partnerships, reinforcing the capacity of local farmers to be better linked to markets.

A visit to the project “Protection of the Biodiversity of Chestnuts” was carried out and was an opportunity to make a link with the concept of Slow Food, wherein the quality, territory and tradition of Chestnuts are promoted.

The LEADER Programme supports projects designed and executed by local actors to address specific local problems. The LEADER approach is based on the role of Local Action Groups (LAGs): a public/private partnership composed of representatives of the Local Administration and the private sector. The LAG is in charge of coordinating the design of the local development strategy as well as its implementation.

During the retreat, we visited several LEADER projects. The two projects from GAL FAR Maremma mentioned below aim at developing the added value of farming products:

Maremma milk producers cooperative

The project aims at optimising the fresh milk production chain through the improvement of collection, processing, bottling, storage, distribution and marketing of the product. All these activities aim at improving the quality and value of the product to better respond to local market demands. A better quality product are pointed out to be essential, as competitors in this sector are numerous. Such an approach induces higher value to the final product being implemented through a cooperative, which creates the required economy of scale.

Link to portfolio: It is a good example of quality enhancement throughout the value chain replicable at local level in Morocco and Tunisia (e.g. camel milk).

Protection of the biodiversity of chestnuts

This project aims at the safeguard of biodiversity in the areas of Monte Amiata and Colline Metallifere and the diffusion of cultivation techniques of the chestnut fruit tree.

The certification IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) and the clear origin of these chestnuts protect the product and guarantee its quality. The promotion of transformed chestnut products such as flour and chestnut-based products ensures increased source of income for producers, as chestnut is no longer considered as a seasonal product but can be sold throughout the year.

Link to portfolio: Worth exploring knowledge exchange with date producers in Morocco and Tunisia who are implementing similar diversification of output (date jam, date dough, etc.).

Slow food

Slow Food is a global, grassroots organization founded in 1989 to counterbalance the rise of fast food and fast life, the loss of local food traditions and the demise of traditional products. Slow Food is present in about 150 countries around the world, linking the pleasure of good food with a commitment to their community and the environment. It supports sustainable production of quality foods and develops activities, projects and events at a local, regional and global level.

Link to portfolio: Further to a quick research, Slow Food seems to be active in Morocco but not at all present in Tunisia. It may be worth making the link to promote/develop “Produits du Terroir”, ecotourism, gourmet trips and Slow Food movement in tourist areas.