ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THE CHESTNUT MARKET IN ITALY

Abstract

This work presents an overview of the chestnut cultivation sector in Italy, with particular reference to the chief economic and market aspects. The main purpose is to adequately quantify the significance of a species which, although of marginal consequence in Italy's agri-food industry is, however, of vital importance for the areas in which it is cultivated, ensuring that the local communities can remain there. In Italy, which is the fourth most important chestnut producer in the world and the first in Europe, there are about 800,000 ha of chestnut woods of which 150,000 are orchards. The areas dedicated to cultivated chestnuts are progressively decreasing and currently amount to 54,000 ha distributed amongst some 30,000 enterprises. The annual production of chestnuts is approximately 55,000 tons on average and amounts to a basic value of 60-65 million Euros, which can rise to as much as 165 million Euros considering the (whole chain) Unclear Significant additional revenue from ancillary sources also contributes towards this result to the tune of 15-25 million Euros per year and is obtained from woodland by-products, timber, transport but especially from the numerous wine and food festivals that attract crowds of visitors to all parts of the country. Thus the chestnut becomes a true attraction medium and a valid marketing incentive for these areas. The fact that these results have been achieved is mostly due to the great attention paid to quality, as testified by the seven Community trademarks obtained to date. Future worries include the drop in the supply noted in 2007 and 2008 (up to 30-40% according to estimates and due to the adverse weather conditions) and the aggressive new pathogens, such as the chestnut gall wasp.