 The "Green Heart" of Italy Geographically Umbria is referred to as the Green Heart of Italy. Its valleys, steeply slopped woodlands and central location create "il cuore verde" in a country that measures its worth by preserving and protecting the land. However Umbria is only one of Italy's 20 regions tinged with "green". In Italy green agriculture and eco-sustainability have been a powerful movement for decades. The Italian Trade Commission has noted that Italy is the leading European country for organic or biological foods with over 50,000 farms committed to growing produce by natural methods. Since the year 2000 the use of (some) organic food is compulsory in everyday meals in Italian schools and hospitals and more than a quarter of Italian children eat organic. |
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Italy as a Model for Green
Italy's farmhouse villas with family vineyards and orchards have always been a model for land to hand cooking.The traditional agricultural roots of Italian casalinga (homestyle) cooking are a legacy of Italian cuisine that we can all benefit from.
The pleasures of the table and ecologically-balanced farming methods are encouraged by the Italian government and through private groups like the Slow Food Movement, Legambiente and Terra Madre. The Italian model for green inspires consumers, companies, educators, chefs and cooks to re-think their commitment to producing, buying and preparing food in a an ecologically responsible way. National and regional support for local efforts has been shown by awarding grants to Italian municipalities using at least 50 or 60% organic products. |
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Make What You Buy and Eat a Priority
It's not easy being green. An ecologically balanced approach to producing the foods we eat requires a committment on the part of producers,consumers and federal and local agencies to make the quality of what we buy and eat a priority.
Ecologically responsible produced products require an investment.The Cositutti Group as a source for artisan regional Italian food believes there are benefits in bringing good food back to the table and in preserving the culinary and cultural traditions of family meals. All our products are offered with a strong sense of place and a belief that "sitting at the dinner table tranquil and relaxed is a lost pleasure that must be found again at any cost" Associazione Ristoranti Tavole della Valpolicella.
We encourage everyone to consider supporting small producers and generational family farms as a primary source of your food. You don't have to be Italian to have a green heart. |
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