This publication is a summary of research carried out by the Italian Association for Organic Farming (AIAB) for the Ministry of the Environment, the purpose of which was to analyze Italian experiences of organic farming in National Parks in order to draw conclusions which could then be useful for the further development of organic farming throughout the Italian Protected area system. A second objective was to highlight the best practices (organic excellences) which integrate the process of organic production with the development of the surrounding area. The project started in March 2007 and was completed in October 2008.

For the first time, more than 500 organic farms within the twenty-four Italian National Parks were interviewed by means of a questionnaire. The directors of the National Parks were also interviewed. Analysis of the immense amount of data thus generated led to the creation of the “Guidelines for the development of organic farming in protected areas”. We consider them a useful tool for the managing bodies of protected areas, local communities, businesses and interested organizations which aim to promote a sustainable organization of the land through the sustainable development of virtuous organic food production chains.