The (initial) assistance of 20 million euros for Pecorino Romano, which is undoubtedly one of the PDOs most affected by Trump’s work, should be provided by adding Bando indigenti measures, regional solidarity funds and the rotation of Sfirs (the financial company of the Sardinian Region). These are the three interventions agreed by the Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida by the Consortium for the Protection of Pecorino Romano Dop, together with the Regions of Sardinia and Lazio.
The amount must be determined in detail, but in the meantime, the measures will be announced by the Council protection consortium president Gianni Maoddiwho will return to Masaf next week to explain the framework.
Meanwhile, for assistance to underprivileged communities, which will be financed with national and regional funds, the resources will be allocated to a large collection of Pecorino Romano for distribution to associations, charities and solidarity canteens throughout Italy. The aim is twofold: to help people in difficulty and, at the same time, relieve the warehouse stocks of Sardinian companies, which are currently affected by the reduction in exports to the American market which has always been the main export outlet for Pecorino Romano products.
«This step is an immediate and concrete response to a crisis that risks placing a heavy burden on our business – explains Maoddi -. We turn a problem into a form of solidarity and social responsibility, ensuring that our cheese becomes a means of helping those in need, without losing its symbolic value and identity. With this announcement and other steps, our cheese continues to be appreciated and, at the same time, contributes to important social causes.”
Regional solidarity funds must be issued in accordance with central government regulations. Sfirs rotational funding will also be available in the form of aid to businesses, as well as half a million euros in regional funding for product promotion.
