The new region of Tuscany that has been recognized as an Organic District is located in Maremma . The area includes seven municipalities: Capalbio, Castiglione della Pescaia, Grosseto, Magliano in Toscana, Manciano, Orbetello, and Scansano
Our congratulations go to all the companies we collaborate with for this important milestone, reflecting their commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and their strong desire to promote biodiversity. In the upcoming articles, we will analyze their extraordinary characteristics and productions.
The Maremma organic district is the sixth one in Tuscany, following those of Val d'Orcia, Chianti, Val di Cecina, Montalbano, and Val di Sieve.
The Maremma organic district covers an area of approximately 100,000 hectares, of which 41% is managed using organic methods, with around 300 organic farms producing a variety of products, including wine, extra virgin olive oil, fruits, vegetables, honey, cheeses, and cold cuts.
The Maremma organic district is a significant economic reality for the region. The organic farms within the district generate an annual turnover of around 100 million euros and employ approximately 1,500 people, in addition to being an important tourist attraction. Each year, the district attracts about 1 million visitors who are drawn by the beauty of the landscape, the quality of organic products, and the numerous cultural and recreational activities offered in the area.
The recognition of the Maremma organic district is a significant step forward for Tuscany. The region is already one of the leading producers of organic products in Italy. The Maremma organic district will contribute to consolidating Tuscany's position as a leader in the organic agriculture sector, already accounting for 35% of organic production in the country.
The benefits of organic agriculture
Organic agriculture is a cultivation method that does not use synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and herbicides. Instead, it relies on natural techniques like crop rotation, cover cropping, and organic fertilization.
Organic agriculture presents numerous advantages, both for the environment and human health. It helps reduce pollution, improve the quality of water and soil, and protect biodiversity, producing healthier foods free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
The other established districts in Tuscany are as follows:
Organic District of Fiesole
It includes only the municipality of Fiesole and has an organic agricultural area of 68%.
Organic District of Val di Cecina
12 municipalities: Bibbona, Casale Marittimo, Castelnuovo Val di Cecina, Cecina, Guardistallo, Lajatico, Montecatini Val di Cecina, Montescudaio, Monteverdi Marittimo, Pomarance, Riparbella, Volterra.
Organic District of Calenzano
It includes only the municipality of Calenzano and has an organic agricultural area of 36%.
Organic District of Montalbano
Municipalities of Carmignano and Poggio a Caiano with an agricultural area of 4,876 hectares, of which over 40% is managed through organic farming methods.
Organic District of Chianti
7 municipalities: Barberino Tavarnelle, Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Gaiole in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, and San Casciano Val di Pesa.
To obtain the status of Organic Agricultural District, the following requirements must be met:
1. At least thirty percent of the agricultural land must be cultivated using organic methods.
2. At least 3 organic farmers registered in the public list of organic agriculture and aquaculture operators operating in the district's territory must participate. Alternatively, there can be an association comprising at least three registered organic farmers.
3. One-third of the municipalities within the district's territory must join and commit to adopting policies for soil conservation, waste reduction, environmental protection, promotion of organic productions, as well as the defense and development of agrobiodiversity."
By meeting these requirements, an agricultural area can obtain the status of Organic Agricultural District and enjoy the benefits and opportunities it entails for the sustainable development of organic agriculture in the region.