The average chestnut production in Italy between 1999 and 2007 was 53.7 million kg, but estimates report it has dropped to one third in the last few years. Analysing Istat 2013 data, we can see how imports have dramatically increased.
Italy: chestnut imports (in Tons) in 2009-2010-2011
Source: FAOSTAT
Arrivals have doubled with respect to 2012 and are three and five times those of 2011 and 2010, respectively. Chestnuts arrive mainly from Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Slovenia. No data is available concerning imports of chestnut flour as there is no specific customs code.
Chestnut trees are very important for many hill and mountain areas of our Country, not only for the production of fruit and wood, but also for the safeguard of the environment. In addition, they are a reminder of a time when people could not afford bread. The beauty of the woods covered in hundred-year-old chestnuts makes them ideal for tourism too and, in addition, they are essential for wildlife, to make honey and for the growth of mushrooms and small fruits.
For all these reasons, Coldiretti stresses how it is important to relaunch the sector and implement stricter checks on produce to prevent it being sold as Italian. A specific customs code for chestnut flour is needed in order to monitor the arrivals and there must be a label for derivatives.
Italy: chestnut imports (in Tons) in 2009-2010-2011
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | |
| Imported volumes | 5,484 | 6,770 | 9,034 |
Arrivals have doubled with respect to 2012 and are three and five times those of 2011 and 2010, respectively. Chestnuts arrive mainly from Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Slovenia. No data is available concerning imports of chestnut flour as there is no specific customs code.
Chestnut trees are very important for many hill and mountain areas of our Country, not only for the production of fruit and wood, but also for the safeguard of the environment. In addition, they are a reminder of a time when people could not afford bread. The beauty of the woods covered in hundred-year-old chestnuts makes them ideal for tourism too and, in addition, they are essential for wildlife, to make honey and for the growth of mushrooms and small fruits.
For all these reasons, Coldiretti stresses how it is important to relaunch the sector and implement stricter checks on produce to prevent it being sold as Italian. A specific customs code for chestnut flour is needed in order to monitor the arrivals and there must be a label for derivatives.