Proceedings (Feb 2024)
Fava Santorinis: Brining Added Value to a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Product through the Security of the Traditional Cultivar and Farmers Network
Abstract
The characterization of “Fava Santorinis” as a PDO product does not protect the cultivated genetic material that produces this product, since this is not registered as a traditional cultivar in the National Common Catalogue. The failure to include this information presents a significant hazard to the genetic diversity of these cultivars, potentially resulting in the loss of their distinct traits, reduced crop yields, and quality. Furthermore, it seeks to comply with established procedures for characterizing and subsequently register this traditional cultivar in the National List of Varieties. The “Santorini Fava” (Lathyrus sp.) is a renowned agricultural product that is unique to Santorini, and it has played a pivotal role in upholding the island’s traditional agriculture. Today, the local agricultural cooperation continues the cultivation of this crop, preserving it as an indispensable facet of the island’s cultural heritage. The objective of the project M16SYN2-00135 is to guarantee and secure this indigenous variety, from which the PDO product in question originates, by applying official description protocols and making use of the existing know-how for the description of the genetic material, the definition of the landrace, and its description for registration in the National Catalog of Varieties. At the same time, the sustainable management of viral diseases and the rational management of its seed production will lead to an increase in productivity, its stabilization, and ultimately, its shielding. The product will be utilized by the cooperative contributing to the sustainability of the holdings and the prevention of commercial exploitation of the traditional variety beyond the area of origin based on the best practices for the preservation of the varieties.
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