Floriculture, wheat and taste districts: the Marche region networks on excellence
Applications for recognition have been submitted over the last few months, the preliminary investigation is in progress but consensus is already high
by Daniela Casciola
4' min read
4' min read
Gran de' Marca cereal-growing district, flower-growing district and Mosaic of Taste food district: projects for networking excellence in the Marche region are growing.
Applications for recognition have been submitted over the last few months, and the preliminary investigation is still in progress, but the consensus recognised for the districts, with the agreements signed by a large number of companies, is already an excellent result because it demonstrates the concrete participation of the regional productive and technical world, which is pursuing the objective of organising its sectors of interest in the best possible way.
A district, in fact, is not just a simple association but a real tool for governing the territory and a privileged interlocutor for institutions. It acts as a network that makes companies more competitive and attracts funding, while also promoting quality tourism. It is not a public body, but an entity with the participation of public bodies and, above all, it allows a primary decision-making role to be played by the representatives of the companies in the sector.
The Marche regulations provide for the recognition of different types of districts, each with specific requirements. There are the SME districts, characterised by a high concentration of small and medium-sized agricultural and agri-food enterprises. There are the Certified Products Districts, which group together interrelated enterprises that produce one or more products with certifications and protections (PDO, PGI, etc.). A successful example is the Food Brand Marche district in Jesi. The Proximity Products districts focus on the integration of agricultural activities and direct sales, local catering and solidarity purchasing groups. They include the Picenum Proximity Bio-District and the Terre Marchigiane Organic District. Finally, the Regional Organic District promotes the cultivation, processing and dissemination of organic methods. The Marche Organic District is an example of this and, with over 2,200 participants, represents the largest organic district in Europe.
In order to be recognised, a district must meet general requirements such as a high level of productive integration, a legal or operational location in the Marche region, and a formal agreement between the participants. Then there are specific requirements (for specialised SME districts operating in a single production sector): the district must include at least 100 agricultural enterprises in 15 contiguous municipalities, a total of 150 employees, at least 5 packaging companies and a total turnover of at least EUR 5 million. Individual and associated agricultural enterprises as well as local authorities, professional organisations, tourism and catering enterprises can participate.
