More PDO and PGI products in Milanese markets: a protocol signed between the Lombardy Region and Sogemi
In the spirit of short supply chains, territoriality, and support for local supply chains, the aim is to promote Lombardy's agricultural and agri-food production, particularly certified quality products, including those recognized as PDO and PGI (the PDO economy in Lombardy is worth €2.9 billion).
This agreement was formed as a result of the two institutions' desire to promote Lombardy's excellence. The Memorandum also provides for "the organization of outreach, educational, and training activities aimed at consumers and industry professionals, visits to Lombard agricultural and agri-food companies or educational farms accredited by the Lombardy Region; coherent initiatives to promote and support the promotion and valorization of Lombardy's typical products at all covered city markets managed by Sogemi." The Memorandum, which is programmatic in nature, will be valid for one year from its signing and may be renewed by the parties.
"The Lombardy Region," said Agriculture Councilor Alessandro Beduschi, "expresses through its PDO and PGI products (34 certified products, 20 PDO and 14 PGI, ed.), a solid sector, rooted in tradition, a guarantee of quality, and oriented toward innovation, thanks also to greater added value for supply chains. Today, the PDO economy in Lombardy is worth approximately €2.9 billion and represents an opportunity for supply chains and internationalization. As the Lombardy Region, we want to strengthen the promotion and dissemination of knowledge throughout the region, with the goal of further developing strategic supply chains such as the dairy, meat, and freshwater fish sectors."
Sogemi President Cesare Ferrero stated that "the products that wholesalers sell in our district come from across the country and around the world, but we intend to maintain a strong connection with our host region and promote it in our Market as well." Therefore, "today we are formalizing a commitment we have made and implemented in recent weeks to promote Lombardy's excellence within the Milan Food Market. With the signing of this agreement and the substantial investment plan of our shareholder, the City of Milan, the Milan Food Market intends to become a food hub serving not only the city, but the entire Lombardy region."
