Land of chestnuts - Prostor kostanja
This project stems from the need to foster the agricultural and commercial recovery of one of the most representative and typical products of the Natisone Valley: the chestnut. This initiative mirrors a similar project which was financed in Slovenia by Phare-CBC Programme (Small project fund) and intends to increase the visibility of the territory, to contribute to the tourist development of the area and to lead the other local agricultural produce, both through promotional activities and by means of a pilot project, aimed at the experimental recovery of the chestnut tree through phytopathological initatives. In particular, the project envisages some pilot actions to prune and restore centuryold chestnut trees; analysis and treatment of phytopathological problems which affect local chestnut trees; cross-border exchange of agricultural knowledge and experience; promotional actions in favour of chestnuts and other typical local products; special events aimed at increasing the number of tourists in the Italian-Slovenian border area; actions which foster a better use of the environment; organization of common services. An essential part of the project focuses on promotion and new marketing strategies on both sides of the border, thus fulfilling the need to maximize direct sales of typical local products. To this end, the chestnut festivals will be fostered and, thanks to the information campaigns carried out in the neighbouring areas, the product will acquire more importance and visibility.