How Ferragamo helps protect Tuscany's native cattle breeds

What do four endangered Tuscan cattle breeds and the savoir-faire of the Ferragamo fashion house have in common? James Ferragamo, chief product officer, grandson of founder Salvatore and third generation of the family, explains: 'A concrete step towards a fashion system capable of generating shared value'.

And that is why the company helped develop a micro-system of economic incentives to reward farms that maintain or increase their livestock in 2025 compared to 2024.

The initiative, developed in collaboration with the University of Florence, with the support of the Regional Breeders' Association of Tuscany and under the patronage of the Region, reinforces Ferragamo's role as a committed player in the protection of the territory and its biodiversity.

Since 2024, Ferragamo has financed the research project 'Breeding systems of native Tuscan cattle breeds at risk of extinction: definition of conservation and valorisation strategies to protect the heritage of biodiversity'. Under the spotlight - in this case - are Mucca Pisana, Garfagnina, Calvana and Pontremolese.

'Protecting biodiversity and supporting local breeders are strategic priorities for us,' continues Ferragamo. 'By preserving native breeds, we not only protect a cultural and environmental heritage, but we support families and young breeders, helping them to build a more solid future for their land.