Saturday 12th November, a morning full of speeches and participants at the Casale Podere Rosa, for the presentation of the LIFE GRACE project and to introduce and taste the local products of the "Grace" supply chain.
It was an opportunity to raise consumer awareness about the benefits of livestock farming based on extensive grazing for the conservation of priority grassland habitats and the quality of the meat produced by local breeds raised on pastures for most of the production cycle.
The day started with the morning speeches from the project partners:
Luca Malatesta, a researcher at Sapienza University, explained why habitat conservation can be achieved in Natura 2000 areas, by using grazing. Alba Pietromarchi, an expert in the organic supply chain, FIRAB, clarified how conservation can be achieved while maintaining extensive grazing livestock farming (grass-fed), by making it increasingly sustainable from an economic, environmental and social.
Afterwards, the interventions from some farmers of the three project areas (area of Monti della Tolfa, Monti Reatini and Monti Ausoni/Aurunci).
With great passion, they told their stories and the work they carry out whilst respecting their territories, in protected areas of the Natura 2000 network. From Tolfa, the experiences of the MET Biodistrict (Maremma Etrusca and Monti della Tolfa), one of the largest Biodistricts of Italy, and of a farmer who breeds Maremmana cattle and closes the supply chain with "Km0" butcher shop. From Monti Reatini, a young "Chianina" breeder decided to "come back" and invest in extensive livestock. And then, from the Monti Aurunci area, a breeder of native goats (hence the precious “Marzolino” cheese) and Esperia ponies.
Among the participants were many members of Purchasing Groups (GAS), including the GAS suppliers of Gas-GAABE (Group of Purchase of Bio and Equitable Food) of Casale Podere Rosa, which intended to collaborate with the LIFE Grace project.
After the speeches, a banquet was set up with a tasting of grass-fed products. In particular, the organic Itri White Vitellone tartare was highly appreciated. It was offered by the Pelliccia di Itri company, which has always been committed to enhancing its territory. The tasting was presented and curated by the chefs of the IPSEOA A. Celletti Institute of Formia, guided by their food and wine teacher, prof. Luigi Lombardi.
The tasty Itri White Beef tartare well expressed the value of the flavors and knowledge of those who produce it, thus giving substance to what was previously explained during the presentation of the LIFE Grace project.
