Short communication: Farmers’ opinions on chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) supply chain development strategies: A case study in Central Italy

  • Alessandro Paletto Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l'Analisi dell'Economia Agraria (CREA), Research Centre for Forestry and Wood. Piazza Nicolini 6, 38123 Trento
  • Marco Focacci Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l'Analisi dell'Economia Agraria (CREA), Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment. Via di Lanciola 12/A, 50125 Firenze
  • Isabella De Meo Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l'Analisi dell'Economia Agraria (CREA), Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment. Via di Lanciola 12/A, 50125 Firenze http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8539-1412
Keywords: rural development, chestnut growers, questionnaire survey, forest governance

Abstract

Aim of the study: To identify the priority strategy for the strengthening of the chestnut supply chain through a participatory approach.

Area of study: Mugello-Val di Sieve inTuscany region (Italy).

Material and methods: The data were collected by administering a questionnaire to a sample of 126 chestnut growers (83 chestnut growers enrolled and 43 not enrolled in the Consortium of “Marronedel Mugello Protected Geographical Indication”) to identify the priority objectives and activities to develop the chestnut supply chain.

Main results: It is necessary to develop a diversified strategy to stimulate the chestnut production and simultaneously enhance the marketing of the product in order to revive the chestnut cultivation inTuscany region. The main activities to be pursued are the implementation of silvicultural treatments of chestnut orchards and the integrated fight against chestnut gall wasp to increase the productivity and strengthen the “Marronedel Mugello Protected Geographical Indication” brand.

Research highlights: Participatory approach is a fundamental instrument to define a common strategy to strengthen chestnut supply chain at local level.

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References

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Castellini A, Palmieri A, Pirazzoli C, 2011. Economic aspects of the chestnut market in Italy. ISHS Acta Horticulturae 866: 485-492.

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Focacci M, De Meo I, Paletto A, 2018. Relationship between innovation and networks in chestnut value chain: A case study in Italy. J For Sci 64 (1): 43-51. https://doi.org/10.17221/104/2017-JFS

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Published
2018-09-24
How to Cite
Paletto, A., Focacci, M., & De Meo, I. (2018). Short communication: Farmers’ opinions on chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) supply chain development strategies: A case study in Central Italy. Forest Systems, 27(2), eSC02. https://doi.org/10.5424/fs/2018272-13081
Section
Short communications