A Sunday dedicated to organic products throughout Italy, Biodomenica festival, now at its tenth edition, was held again on October 4 in many Italian downtown squares. The event is organized by AIAB (the Italian Association for Organic Agriculture) in collaboration with the agriculture organization Coldiretti and environmental organization Legambiente.

From Milan to Catania, from Rome to Bologna and Cagliari, in over 60 major Italian cities, thousands of farmers gathered in the streets to show the world of organic farming and display - with stands and tasting - its local and seasonal produce.

The aim is to encourage dialogue between the farmers and consumers, so to create awareness of the production techniques and environmentally friendly farming practices, that ensure a balanced distribution of resources and their preservation for future generations.

Latest statistics confirm that organic food is increasingly successful among Italian consumers: +7.4% in the first semester 2009. “This festival proves the maturity of the Italian organic industry - said AIAB president Mr. Andrea Ferrante - which is now ready to largely respond to consumers’ request of a healthy diet. It is therefore up time that also public administrations choose organic products in catering and in particular in schools and hospitals canteens: a petition was actually launched today in many Italian squares.”

"The success of this Sunday Festival shows that Italians’ interest in quality organic food does not fall even in times of economic downturn - said Legambiente president Mr. Vittorio Cogliati Dezza -. It is now necessary that both public administrations and the central government make serious investments to facilitate the consumer access to organic food purchase, valuing the role of` organic farming.