AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS AND INNOVATION IN EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL CHAIN IN CENTRAL ITALY

Although agroforestry systems are being acknowledged by relevant international policies, their adoption at EU farm levels is still hampered mainly due to lack of knowledge and expertise. In order to increase knowledge and awareness among stakeholders about agroforestry systems, the Agroforestry Innovation Network project (AFINET), funded within the EU H2020 research and innovation programme, has created Regional Agroforestry Innovation Networks (RAINs) in 9 EU countries focusing on different agroforestry practices. This paper reports the activities carried out in the first RAIN meeting organized in Italy where AFINET project is focused on the multipurpose olive tree systems in the territory around Orvieto Municipality, Umbria Region, Central Italy. Stakeholders participating at the meeting perceived that the most relevant opportunities are related to the adoption of good practices, the implementation of cooperation among stakeholders, the enhancement of EU policies, the improvement of marketing of the extra-virgin olive oil.