In situ landraces: best practice evidence-based database
A tool for promoting landrace conservation

In southern England a tradition of thatching with wheat straw has survived, creating a demand for wheat thatch straw (Veteläinen et al., 2009). Aquila is commonly grown to supply thatchers. There are some thatchers who grow their own supply and store seed for sowing the next year’s crop. There is a demand for the seed amongst growers and is sometimes sold at the cost of feed due to it being an unregistered variety.

Some recommend against aquila for thatching, citing a shorter straw length, but others prefer this material. It gives a hollow straw which is preferred by some thatchers as it minimises the risk of the straw soaking up water while on the roof, thus adversely affecting the lifespan of the thatch.

Aquila does not appear to be of much interest apart from to those who prefer its qualities for thatching. It is not endorsed by the Thatch Advice Centre (Thatch Advice Centre (b), 2019).

‘Fava Santorinis’ has a yellowish colour and flattened discoid shape with a diameter of about 2 mm and a maximum humidity of 13%. Its composition is characterized by a particularly high percentage of proteins and increased carbohydrate content. The traditional method of production which includes drying under the sun and ripening and the physicochemical characteristics of fava make it easily boiled (shorter cooking time is required) and ultimately add to the cooked Fava of Santorini and other dishes in which it is used, unique organoleptic characteristics, such as velvety texture and slightly sweet taste. It is used as appetizer, main or side dish. Undoubtedly, even today, it plays an important role in the gastronomic identity of the island and in the Mediterranean diet, as well.

Till recently it had a rich, local niche market due to the limited production. Hence, steps are made to increase the production and the promotion of the product to other European and non-European markets and the market for fava was expanded the last years, while people from all over the world can by on-line all the products of the Union of Santorini Cooperatives from its e-shop. Most of the farmers sell the products by the Union of Santorini Cooperatives or other private companies who are responsible for the packing and the labeling.

The unique ecosystem that was created by the volcanic explosions on Santorini island, the volcanic ash, the barren, sandy soil, and the resilience of the plant to poor drainage lands, humidity created by the sea, drought, heavy winds and its adaptability to the volcanic soil of the island make it a resource with an important agronomic and commercial value and optimal organoleptic qualities.

In 2010 ‘Fava Santorinis’ was registered into the European Catalogue of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) products (EC No: EL-PDO-0005-0520-09.01.2006) following the COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs. The PDO ‘Fava Santorinis’ offers high income to growers since it is four to five times more expensive than regular ‘Fava’ coming from fava beans (Vicia faba) or from peas (Pisum sativum) locally called ‘arakas’. Furthermore, other cultivated Fabaceae such as V. faba subsp. major (cultivated for food) and subsp. minor (cultivated for feed) also called Fava, frequently could mislead the consumers. The same is true for peas whose seed products are locally called ‘arakas’ and for other Lathyrus spp.

For this reason, in 2012, the School of Agriculture of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Institute of Agrobiotechnology of the Centre of Research and Technology Hellas suggested a method using HRM (High resolution Melting) coupled with universal chloroplast DNA barcoding regions (Bar-HRM) in order to distinguish legume species (four Lathyrus, two Vicia and two Pisum species which potentially could be used as adulterants in ‘Fava Santorinis’ commercial products) and moreover to authenticate ‘Fava Santorinis’ commercial PDO products (Ganopoulos et. al. 2012).

Mainly grown as a garden crop by private individuals all over Switzerland, however some farmers of Bosco Gurin still cultivate this variety at small scale for the local market. ‘Bosco Gurin’ is an important ingredient in a traditional vegetable soup made from local vegetables called ‘Måtzufåmm. The soup and the ‘Bosco Gurin’ variety are celebrated at the yearly village festival taking place in September.

The turnip ‘Bosco Gurin’ is said to be only growing well and to its excellent taste in the village of Bosco Gurin. The turnip landrace makes for an important part of the village’s heritage.

It is sold in the markets of all the islands, in the sales of the villages and it can even be purchased directly in the homes of some farmers. In Anaga, place of traditional cultivation, in the XVII and XVIII centuries it was a product foreign to the marketing channels, however, from the XIX century it started to be more distributed.

The Canarian population has the ‘bubango’ as something very much theirs, which is directly linked to their gastronomy and their culture, so they prefer to buy ‘bubango’ than zucchini, even if they have to pay more.

It is the most appreciated variety for the preparation of local stews. Due to the characteristics described above, it is said to be less watery than other varieties, which gives the stews and stews a characteristic flavour and texture. Also, in the ‘bubangos’ that are allowed to mature, the skin is lignified, and this allows a long conservation, being able to hold several months without spoiling.

This results in a cultural importance very extended, reflected in its appearance in various popular sayings.

The centennial fair of the onions of Penafiel (fair of St. Bartholomeu), singular in the country, demonstrates the importance of the product in the region.

This traditional variety is included in the National Catalog of Varieties of 2019, published by ‘Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária’ (DGAV), as a conservation variety.

Traditional markets and rural tourism.

Research, evaluation and valorisation of new types of bread is required.

The rye breads are sold in traditional markets and in rural tourism accommodation.

It is necessary to develop research on the evaluation and valorisation of old and new types of bread.

There is a good market for asparagus product, both to private persons as to restaurants. We have not gone out to the broad public yet.

It has a good strong taste, if this is an added value to you. It offers conservation and genuine story telling.

ND.

Fodder beets are not common anymore, so it is important for general public to know it. It is an authentic feed plant for museums and for farm animal conservation, much better than silage. Formerly, beets were used for syrup production.

Traditionally this variety is grown in the region of Geneva. In 2011 only seven farmers cultivated ‘Epineux argenté de Plainpalais’ in this region, harvesting between 100 and 130 tonnes per year. The harvest is mostly sold in the local market. Outside of Geneva this speciality is hardly known.

‘Epineux argenté de Plainpalais’ has been awarded and protected in 2003 with the designation of origin ‘Cardon épineux genevois AOP’ (Appellation d’Origine Protégéé). It is the only vegetable in Switzerland with the AOP label. Since its certification, the popularity of “Epineux argenté de Plainpalais” has increased not only within the Geneva region but throughout Switzerland. This cardoon variety has also been recognised as part of the ‘Culinary heritage of Switzerland’ (https://www.patrimoineculinaire.ch/Produkt/Cardon-de-Geneve-Cardon-epineux-genevois-AOP/110).

The initial promotion of research and of farmer awareness triggered a virtuous process of conservation. The area under cowpea cultivation increased which in turn significantly increased the income of the farmers who cultivated the crop. The market price for the landrace increased (in the main regional province, Perugia) from 6 euro/kg in 1994 to the present 20-22 euro/kg.

The landrace is included into the Regional Register of Landraces, implementing the Umbria Region Law concerning the protection of local genetic resources (n. 25, 2001).

In order to encourage the cultivation of ‘Fagiolina del Lago Trasimeno’, a request for the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label has been promoted. ‘Fagiolina del Lago Trasimeno’ also caught the interest of the Slow Food movement which included it among its ‘presidia’, and, within a few years, it became a must in many top restaurants, even outside the region Umbria.

It has a rich, local niche market due to its smooth, doughy taste and very limited production. Most of the farmers sell the products directly or by using local distributors. While the market for ‘Fagiolo a Pisello’ could be expanded, no territorial or quality brand has been adopted until now.

In 2005 ‘Fagiolo a Pisello’ was included into the Regional Register of Genetic Resources of Lazio Region (Italy) following the implementation of the Lazio Region Law (n. 15, 1^st March 2000 (http://www.arsial.it/arsial/wp-content/uploads/page/n.1-legge-regionale.pdf) which is aimed at safeguarding and promoting the cultivation of local genetic resources.

It has a rich, local and national market due to its unique taste, texture, nutritional value and boiling quality. Although production is low, the demand is high. The distribution of Englouvi's lentils takes place after its harvest each July to August. Usually all the production is sold immediately as it has been already sold out due to huge demand before finishing the harvest. The lentils are sold only in bulk with the kilogram and in a high price. The consumers can buy ‘Faki Eglouvis’ directly from the producers at the village of Eglouvi or they can order on-line from the farmer's websites or by sending an e-mail.

Every year on the 6th of August, the lentils festival takes place. The inhabitants and the farmers celebrate their local production, and ‘Faki Eglouvis’ is cooked and served to the visitors of the plateau.

In 2006 ‘Faki Eglouvis was registered into the catalogue of extensive crops threatened by genetic erosion and funded under Measure 3.8 of Axis 3 ‘Agro-environment measures’ of the Agricultural Development Programme 2000-2006 following the implementation of the Common Ministerial Desicion 620/135644/06-07-2005 (Ministerial Desicion 218151/23-06-2006, Governmental Gazette 823/4-7-2006).

Isolation of the island and the special plateau microclimate may have contributed to the development of a distinct genetic background of the landrace that merits further study. ‘Faki Eglouvis’ is a landrace cultivated for a long time in an isolated area, with no purposeful admixture of the planting material with other varieties, which enjoys high market value and appreciation by consumers, but is frequently adulterated and downgraded in the market. The unique characteristics such as the great taste and high nutritional value of ‘Faki Eglouvis’ increased the consumers’ interest that in combination with the low crop yield formed a high market price. (Tsanakas et al. 2018).

Local income from this LR can be estimated around 250,000 €. Nowadays, the ‘Monteleone di Spoleto’ emmer has undergone a successful marketing strengthening thanks to some farmers’ initiatives. In October 2002 seven local farmers constituted themselves into the ‘Association of Monteleone di Spoleto Emmer’.

The landrace is included into the Regional Register of Landraces, implementing the Umbria Region Law concerning the protection of local genetic resources (n. 25, 2001).

The ‘Monteleone di Spoleto’ emmer also holds the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label and represents a good example of successful use of territorial labels for the promotion of a product obtained from a landrace.

In order to encourage the cultivation and promote ‘Fava Cottora dell’Amerino’ on the local market, the association named ‘Pro Collicello’ established a gastronomic festival in which the landrace is used to prepare diverse curses, according to local traditional recipies. The event take place every year in the municipality of Collicello (Terni, Italy).

As ‘Fava Cottora dell’Amerino’ is included among the ‘Slow Food presidia’, both local and national markets are growing even if the production is still limited.

The ‘Fava Cottora dell’Amerino’ caught the interest of the Slow Food movement which included it among its ‘presidia’ in 2010.

This is one of the best preserved local varieties in the valley, although its cultivation is in the regression, among other reasons due to its slow cooking and its mealy texture. However, the only market it is in, is the local one. It could be a good variety to reintroduce as a local dish in rural houses and restaurants in the area.

It is a locally appreciated variety, among other reasons because of the large size of the grain. As it reflects its name of ‘fesol afartapobres’, means that with few grains, hunger is overcome and thus it can also fill the poor who have little to eat, containing high nutritional value. In addition, it has a great taste. As drawbacks are mentioned that it needs a lot of cooking time and that its texture is too floury for some people.

Today, the cultivation of pepper to produce ‘Mpachovou’’ pepper (spice) is scattered in many villages of Almopia Municipality. However, the increased demand for local quality products creates the conditions for growing the crop acreage and developing the marketing of the product. Few farmers, also, grow organically and allocate products to the organic niche markets.

Every year, in the village of Garefi, there is an annual festival and local gastronomy events, while in regional exhibitions the product is reappearing.

In 2006 ‘Mpachovou or Karatzovas’ pepper was registered into the catalogue of extensive crops threatened by genetic erosion and funded under Measure 3.8 of Axis 3 ‘Agro-environment measures’ of the Agricultural Development Programme 2000-2006 following the implementation of the Common Ministerial Desicion 620/135644/06-07-2005 (Ministerial Desicion 218151/23-06-2006, Governmental Gazette 823/4-7-2006).

In 2018, an application was made to the Variety Research Institute of the Cultivated Plants of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food for the registration of ‘Glikokafteri Mpachovou’ in the Catalogue of Conservation Varieties according to the EC Recommendation 2008/62/EU of the 20^th June 2008 (L 162)’.

Due to the marginal cultivation area only some kilos of yield have been sold so far. However, since 2018 an artisan bakery has tested to bake a speciality rye bread to buy from their bakery cafe. (Hermanni farmer interview 2018).

‘Hermanni’ is registered in Finland as a conservation variety in the European Common Catalogue of Conservation Varieties (EU Plant variety database 2019) in 2016 (Finnish Plant Variety Journal 2019). The modified DUS-test is done during the registration process.

In recent years the market of ‘Mascina di Montepulciano’ grown quickly both locally and nationally. The fresh fruits are characterised by a very short shelf-life that does not allow their distribution and commercialisation. Thus, fruit of this landrace are mainly processed to produce jams.

‘Mascina di Montepulciano’ has been recognized as ‘Prodotto Agroalimentare Tipico’ (PAT, litteraly Typical Food Product) by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry through the technical support of Regione Toscana. The PAT recognition is based on evidences that demonstrate the use of a landrace (or a processed foodstuff) in a certain area for at least 25 years.

Currently, no local or national market exists as the production of ‘Mela a Sonagli’ is carried out by few farmers/gardners, conserving 1-2 individuals, for their family consumption.

In 2014 ‘Mela a Sonagli’ was included into the regional register of landraces (Umbria Region, Italy) implementing the Umbria Region Law concerning the protection of local genetic resources (n. 25, 2001).

Currently, no local or national market exists as the production of ‘Mela Conventina’ is carried out by few farmers/gardeners, conserving few individuals. By the way, in the next few years the market of ‘Mela Conventina’ will have the possibility to grow as a local apple producer recently planted an orchard using this landrace.

In 2013 ‘Mela Conventina’ was included into the Regional Register of Landraces (Umbria Region, Italy), implementing the Umbria Region Law concerning the protection of local genetic resources (n. 25, 2001). Fruits of Mela Conventina are characterised by good storability.

Although Parli is considered and appreciated as a delicacy due to its chestnut-like flavour, the market is small as prices are high. Due to its rather low yields, small tuber size and difficulty in obtaining potato seeds only few farmers in Switzerland cultivate ‘Parli’ thus creating a limited supply to the market.

Efforts initiated by ProSpecieRara are underway to promote Parli among other potatoes as a speciality for marketing through selected grocery stores and in the top gastronomy. Due to its very rich flavour profile, these potatoes are used as an exclusivity and not only as a staple food.

In the last years Angelica fruits demand is increasing a lot for some reasons: pear varieties in the market are very few and conumers need something different.  Fruit Quality of is very high level and that is appreciate a lot. Demand of local varieties is increasing and not only on farm direct sale but also is supermarkets trends.

Pera Angelica has been included into the regional register of local genetic resources of Emilia Romagna.

Currently, no local or national market exists as the production of ‘Pera cocomerina’ is carried out by few farmers/gardners, conserving from 1 to 6 individuals each. Currently, the production is used to produce jam and a typical pear liquor that are sold during the annual event ‘Sagra della Pera Cocomerina’.

In 2011, ‘Pera cocomerina’ (det. n° 16102 del 12/12/2011) was included into the regional register of landraces (Emilia Romagna Region, Italy) implementing the regional Law concerning the protection of local genetic resources (n. 1, January the 29^th, 2008).

The cultural association ‘Pro Loco Ville’ (http://www.peracocomerina.it/beta/2587-2/) is a local association of the district of Ville di Montecoronaro (Verghereto, Cesena, Italy) whose main aims is conservation and use of ‘Pera Cocomerina’. The association has been involved for decades in the valorisation, preservation and promotion of this landrace. Throughout the past decvades, Pro Loco Ville favoured conservation of the landrace and created an annual event named ‘Sagra della Pera Cocomerina’ (http://www.peracocomerina.it/beta/le-sagre/) to promote the product and its derivates.

The landrace also caught the interest of the Slow Food movement which included it among its ‘presidia’.

‘Piparjuuri Vehmaa’ is commercially cultivated by two farmers who sell root crop to wholesale business to be sold as fresh in retail shops in Finland. ‘Piparjuuri Vehmaa’ covers over half of horseradish production in Finland (Finnish Food Authorities 2018). One farmer has developed a special seasonal product of horseradish sauce for local markets. The limited time and marketing resources restricts a large-scale product development. (Farmer interview 2019) The stronger taste (higher content of glucosinalites) has proved to be a competitive edge over imported horseradish.

Its morphological (Suojala-Ahlfors 2014) and genetic (finger printing) characterisations have been carried out (Wedelsbäck Bladh et al 2014) and glucosinolates content has been evaluated (Wedelsbäck Bladh et al 2013) and compared to other Nordic horseradish clones.

The PDO designation has drawn attention to this local potato strain from the north and allowed it to become a popular landrace product in homes and professional kitchens in Finland.

Main crop is sold to wholesale business to be sold as fresh in retail shops and restaurants under the brand name ‘Lapin Puikula’ in Finland. In 2010s some special products from ‘Puikula’ have been developed: ‘Lapin Puikula Chips’, ‘Puikulapommes’ and pre-cooked Puikulas for grill and oven. Some efforts for export have been made (e.g. Germany).

Since 1994 ‘Puikula’ has been accepted to the National List of Plant Varieties in Finland amongst bred cultivars (Finnish Food Authorities 2019).

‘Puikula‘ grown in the Lapland region of Finland was registered as Lapin Puikula (Lapland’s Puikula in English) in the European Union under the terms of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)  in 1997 (European Commission 2019). As the PDO product, it is production take place in ther region to which its name refers.

The landrace is very appreciated on the local market (Lazio Region), also due to the several initiatives carried out by local authorities to save the landrace by promoting its cultivation and market.

In order to encourage the cultivation and promote ‘Rapa Catalogna di Roccasecca’ on the local market, the association named ‘Le Vie’ established a festival during which the product is directly used to prepare traditional curses. The event takes place in Roccasecca (Frosinone) every year, in December.

In 2011 ‘Rapa Catalogna di Roccasecca’ was included into the Regional Register of Genetic Resources of Lazio Region (Italy) following the implementation of the Lazio Region Law (n. 15, 1st March 2000 (http://www.arsial.it/arsial/wp-content/uploads/page/n.1-legge-regionale.pdf) which is aimed at safeguarding and promoting the cultivation of local genetic resources).

Marketed under the trademark Green heritage®. Grey pea ‘Rättvik’ is being sold to consumers through the company Nordisk råvara nationally.

Chefs have indicated a pronounced interest in grey pea ‘Rättvik’ due to its historical and gastronomic qualities. Rättvik’ was registered 20 April 2010 on the Swedish official list of varieties as conservation variety. Registration is effective until 31 December 2020. It is marketed under the under the trademark Green heritage®.

This apple is still appreciated by local consumers for its particular taste that remembers apples of the past. Nowadays the potential of the market is increasing because of a renewed general interest on old varieties and landraces. Very high level of antioxidants is another element that brings new attention to Rosa Romana from consumers.

In 2015 Rosa Romana was included into the regional register of local genetic resources of Emilia Romagna. In 2018, Rosa Romana was also included into the list of ‘regional typical products.

The family plans to market the crop in the near future. Consumers are still emotional about the landrace, remembering the sweet yellow melon, consumed back in their childhood at their grandparents, thus they would probably be happy to buy the landrace in case it’s available on the market.

ND.

It has a local niche market due to its special quality and it is promoted for its products (bread, bakery products). On Sunday, March 19 2017, AEGILOPS and the local seed saving network SFONTILI, as an action of promotion of the products of ‘Saritsam’ and of public awareness organized a seed exchange event at the central high schools of Mytilene during which the participants had the opportunity to taste bread from ‘Saritsam.

AEGILOPS (Network for Biodiversity and Ecology in Agriculture) in order to preserve the landrace ‘Saritsam’ suggested to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food to be included in the list of varieties under genetic erosion of the Agri-environmental Measure 9. In 2018, an application was made to the Variety Research Institute of the Cultivated Plants of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food for the registration of the landrace in the Catalogue of Conservation Varieties according to the EC Recommendation 2008/62/EU of the 20^th June 2008 (L 162)’. The above actions aim the protection of ‘Saritsam’ from genetic erosion and its utilization to the pedoclimatic or low input conditions of North Aegean Islands.

Today, ‘Saritsam’ has been recognized for its good cultivation behavior and adaptability to the soil and climate conditions of the region, but also for its special qualities.

Timothy hay is a historic hay variety, used for horses and smaller domestic pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs. It also fetches top prices from livestock keepers (Nicolson, 2016)

Many people are allergic to timothy pollen, and there had been some success in trials using the pollen to create a treatment (Nelson et al., 2011). Thus, there may be some market for growing Scots timothy for this area of research, though this is undoubtedly rather limited.

Scots timothy is registered on the European Union Plant Variety Database, which lists only one maintainer in Stirling (Ec.europa.eu, 2019). It is not currently covered by SASA’s Scottish Landrace Protection Scheme (Sasa.gov.uk, 2019).

Seduša is a delicate vine variety characterized by medium-sized, thin skinned berries. It can accumulate high levels of sugar in good years. It matures between the third and fourth epoch. The variety is quite yielding; however, the key to achieve high quality limits the yield; usally 50-60% of the clusters are rmoved during green pruning.

The resulting wine is characterised by a light ruby colour, with a lot of earthy and mineral tones, while, at the same time, fruity with clear aromas of currants and cherry plum. The resulting wine is quite high in alcohol content that does not interfere with the balanced aromas.

Currently, for Seduša wine there is a much higher demand than production. As it is a limited production, about 3000 litres per year, Seduša wine is mainly marketed in the Province of Vojvodina, in the Srem region.

By the latest government measures, there is enough capacity's for the increase surface under this variety.

In 2019. year, 5 clones of Seduša were registered in National catalogue of agricultural varieties. The standard samples are maintained in Institute for winegrowing, which is held at the Agriculture college in Novi Sad. http://www.sorte.minpolj.gov.rs/sites/default/files/rsprilogom_3.pdf.

Many maintainers of this landrace on Shetland and Orkney do not market their potato crops. They are often for personal consumption or to be shared with friends and family but are occasionally sold at local markets or informally to acquaintances.

This is not to say that there is no wider market for the Shetland Black potato. They are available to buy online where their status as a registered ‘Slow Food’ is a selling point (Heritage-potatoes.co.uk, 2019).

Shetland black potatoes have caught the attention of the ‘Slow Food’ movement in the UK and are therefore now a registered Slow food (Slow Food in the UK, 2019). Potato landraces fall under SASA’s Scottish Landrace Protection Scheme (Sasa.gov.uk, 2019).

Shetland kale is mostly grown for on-farm consumption, or for over wintering feed for cattle or other livestock. It has gained some interest as an interesting and traditional crop sue to the Slow Food movement, so there is some suggestion of a market for Shetland kale for general consumption.

Shetland kale has caught the attention of the ‘Slow Food’ movement in the UK (Slow Food in the UK, 2019). Kale is commonly viewed as a ‘superfood’ (Šamec, Urlić and Salopek-Sondi, 2018).

The crop is industrial and therefore the market is based on agreement with the producer, the Dryer Kratonohy company, depending on market demand. The landrace Slezská is nearly monopole cultivar source of the coffee substitute reaching up to 80 %. The coffee product is of chicory only or as a mixture of different coffee substitute such as rye. The leading role of ´Slezská´ landrace is a result of good properties and yield in a regular rain-fed agriculture. The resulting chicory coffee is marketed within the whole Czech Republic and Slovakia with occasional export. By maintaining the old Silesian variety ´Slezská´, we hope that we will be able to increase the cultivated area in the event of future demand increases. The complexity of cultivation and the impossibility of using pesticides make this crop a family silver that awaits its opportunity.

One of the most prosperous early factories for coffee substitutes from chickory was ‘Továrna na cikorii, Josef Balounek’ founded in Humburky nr. Nový Bydžov in 1880. The factory purchased chicory landrace from farmers in the region. Their product Balounek´s Chicory was advertized as local and Czech product. 

Currently the only end-producer Kávoviny, stockholder co., Pardubice offers a diversity of products based on the chicory landrace ´Slezská´. Some products were awarded by a stamp Klasa (high quality, Czech made), some are stamped as gluten-free. These products are sold in Czech and Slovak markets.

‘Solina’ soft wheat has a limited niche market. Thanks to the Slow Food initiative, it is common to find products also outside the Region Abruzzo. Flour of organic ‘Solina’ is currently sold for about 3.5 €/kg.

‘Solina’ has been recognized as ‘Prodotto Agroalimentare Tipico’ (PAT, litteraly Typical Food Product) by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry through the technical support of Regione Abruzzo. The PAT recognition is based on evidences that demonstrate the use of a landrace (or a processed foodstuff) in a certain area for at least 25 years.

‘Solina’ also caught the interest of the Slow Food movement which included it among its ‘presidia’, and, within a few years, the derived products became a must in many top restaurants, even outside the Abruzzo Region.

Undoubtedly, the small-size, anhydrous ‘Tomataki’ plays an important role in the gastronomic identity of the island. It can be consumed as fresh fruit or as processed product, such as tomato paste, juice, sauce, dip, sun-dried tomatoes and spread. The tomato paste, rich in lycopene and antioxidants is very famous for the bright red colour, the velvety texture and the natural sweet taste. The establishments and the modern equipment of the tomato process factory of the Union of Santorini Cooperatives give the facility of processing all the above products and place them on the local and national market. The last years, steps are made to increase the production and the promotion of the product to other European and non-European markets and the market for ‘Tomataki’ was expanded, while people from all over the world can by on-line all the products of the Union of Santorini Cooperatives e-shop (https://santowines.gr/en/). Most of the farmers sell the tomato production to the Union as a labelled PDO product but some times during the summer they sell it directly at local taverns as fresh fruit.

In 2013 ‘Tomataki Santorinis’ was registered into the European List of Protected Designation of Origin products (EC No: EL-PDO-0005-0888-26.08.2011) following the COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2013:167:0022:0026:EN:PDF). The small yield per hectare on Santorini's dry soils (average yield around 5 tonnes and only in exceptional cases they reach 10 tonnes maximum per hectare compared with around 100 tonnes per hectare for outdoor tomatoes grown inland) means that ‘Tomataki Santorinis’ fetches a substantially higher price, which is a major incentive to fraud. The PDO label will protect the outstanding reputation of the product marketed.

The principal advantages of ‘Tomataki’ grown on Santorini are their higher sugar content and their higher level of total soluble solids. This specific quality characteristic is the result of the combined influence of the genetic material of the local variety, the traditional cultivation method used by the farmers, naturally, Santorini's and the surrounding islands’ soil and climate conditions and the adaptation of the plant to the environment of Santorini. The unique ecosystem that was created by the volcanic explosions on Santorini island, the volcanic ash, the barren, sandy soil, and the resilience of the plant to poor drainage lands, humidity created by the sea, drought, heavy winds and its adaptability to the volcanic soil of the island make ‘Tomataki’ a resource with an important agronomic and commercial value too. ‘Tomataki Santorinis’ is a striking example of a highly-priced local product of excellent quality whose production involves the sustainable use of unique natural resources.

It is the most widespread and known traditional tomato landrace in these regions. It has traditionally been produced for self-consumption, although it was also sold in local markets, where it was well valued. For decades it was the only variety of tomatoes produced by local gardens. Nowadays, its marketing is rare, always in local markets.

ND.

As ‘Roveja di Civita di Cascia’ is included among the so-called ‘Slow Food presidia’, both local and national markets are growing even if the production is still limited.

In 2015 ‘Roveja di Civita di Cascia’ was included into the Regional Register of Landraces (Umbria Region, Italy), implementing the Umbria Region Law concerning the protection of local genetic resources (n. 25, 2001). 

The landrace also caught the interest of the Slow Food movement which included it among its ‘presidia’.