The Rural Agriculture and Development Department has enrolled in the Regional Register of Agricultural Biodiversity and Food – Vegetable Section Six new traditional plant resources, testimony to the wealth and variety of the regional agricultural heritage.
By decree no. 6704 of 9 May 2025, the following local varieties were officially found: Wheat seco, pappaluni bean, white bean white, lentil of Mormanno, tomato of Belmonte Calabro, aubergine of Lombardi.
The insertion in the regional register of agricultural and food biodiversity officially recognizes the value of these local varieties as genetic resources to be protected and preserved. This status allows the activation of safeguard measures, support for recovery, cultivation and enhancement projects, and promotes the promotion of products related to the territory also through quality brands. In addition, the registration opens the way for public funding opportunities and greater visibility in the circuits of research, training and food and wine tourism.
In practice, these are a fundamental step for the protection and enhancement of native genetic resources, which constitute a unique heritage of biodiversity, history and culture.
“Agricultural biodiversity – explains the regional councilor for agriculture Gianluca Gallo – represents an invaluable treasure for our region, not only for its environmental value, but also for the economic and cultural one. With the registration of these new traditional varieties, Calabria strengthens its commitment to safeguard local agricultural identities and promoting sustainable agriculture, linked to the territory and quality. It is our duty to preserve these resources for future generations – concludes Gallo – and support their enhancement also through promotion and research tools “.
The provision will be sent to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests for the registration of plant resources also recognized in the national registry of biodiversity of agricultural and food interest.