Local denominations

Since 1990, the first Local Denominations (DE.CO.) have been regulated in Italy thanks to the coming into force of Law 142, which allows  the municipalities to legislate on the valorisation of the production activities in their own territory.

Traditional and characteristic products

ANCI (National Association of Italian  Municipalities) has given a great drive to spread the resolution of DE.CO. It draws up a specific law proposal and the coming into force of the Constitutional Law (2001) which foresees the possibility  for Italian Municipalities to legislate on the agricultural field.

DE.CO. may be considered a quality brand regulated at municipality or intermunicipality level  that do not compete with other denominations of origin (POD and PGI) and state the origin of a product, even if not agrifood, from a specific country and the respect of a specific production specification that involves traditional methods.

It can thus be considered an excellent tool to enhance the local characteristics of many Italian municipalities, in particular food and wine products with special characteristics.