Outstanding Features

Lemons (Citrus limonum) originated in the Far East (India and China) where they grow in the wild. In the Campania region they have been present since the first century AD, probably as a rarity and a delicacy. The first information on the therapeutic use of lemons is found in the work of Teofrasto. In the 16^th century people discovered that lemon juice prevented and cured scurvy, a very common illness among the sailors who for long periods ate only wheat flour and preserved food. This discovery led to intensive cultivation of lemons and an organised trade in them. Lemons were used in large quantities on board ships. Ships arriving in the Mediterranean were buying lemons paying for them with precious merchandises or gold and bringing the fruits to the northern countries where the lemon was considered a luxury fruit. It was only recently (17^th century) that lemons started to be utilised in cooking to aromatise food.

With the export of lemons to English and American markets in the 18^th century the farmers increased its cultivation significantly, replacing olive trees, wine yards and woodland with lemons. In this period of great expansion, some specific agricultural practices were developed to fight against the environmental constraints.

The peninsula sorrentino-amalfitana represents an outstanding example of how an agricultural landscape can characterize a complete geographical area. Citrus limonum ssp. are cultivated all along the coast from Vico Equense to Vietri sul Mare, in areas with altitude not higher than 350 meters. The peninsula is located in the northern limit of the habitat of Citrus limonum ssp., which is sensitive to cold climate. The situation is particularly difficult in the Costiera Sorrentina, which is facing North-West, while the location of Costiera Amalfitana offers better conditions.

In the beginning, lemon trees were planted with high density allowing the branches to form a sort of roof. In this way frosts were less severe but high humidity was stagnant, creating many sanitary problems to the plants. Due to the many negative aspects, in 19^th century, this system was replaced with the “pagliarelle”, which became a characteristic element of the lemon cultivations. Pagliarelle are made with straw, have a standard size (1.30 x 2.00 meters) and lie over a pergola made with chestnut wood. This traditional technology was further developed, so that nowadays “pagliarelle” sometimes are substituted by plastic nets. The diffusion of pergola also required the plantation of chestnut trees in the nearby hills, substituting the Neapolitan alder.

Lemons are cultivated in terraces erected in narrow valleys between the hills and the sea: in deep slopes following the contour lines and filled with soil. This traditional cultivation of lemon preserves the soil from hydro-geological instability and protects the territory, by occupying even the steepest slopes, which are often on the verge of being impossible to cultivate.

The pergola and windbreak, born as defence structures against cold winds from the sea, influence some important properties of the lemon fruits. The amount of sun light reaching the trees is reduced, slowing down the living functions of lemons and limiting the synthesis of glucic substances and pigments in the epicarp. The lemons acquire a strong and penetrating flavour and the skin assumes a pale yellow colour. These distinctive qualities are probably the secret of the worldwide success of lemons grown in this specific site of the southern Italian cost. Their late repining makes the lemons from the Costiera very valuable when the production from the typical Citrus areas (i.e. Sicily) is strongly reduced.

Lemons are cultivated in ca. 700 ha, mostly in small farms, often less than a hectare in size. Their maintenance requires an intensive cultivation and heavy use of man-power, due to the difficult and particular farming system. The production of 12 - 20 tons/ ha is lower than the national average. The varieties grown in the area are Citrus limonum var. amalphitanum and Citrus limonum var. pusillum, different ecotypes, which are well adapted to the pedological and climatic conditions, are grown on Costiera Sorrentina and Costiera Amalfitana.

Goods and Services Provided

Lemons from Costiera sorrentino-amalfitana are unique products. Their organoleptic characteristics are well accepted in the regional and national kitchen. Due to the difficult and costly agricultural practices, we can consider most of the product as organic (biologico): the use of chemicals is practically inexistent; weeds hardly grow because of the lack of sufficient light.

There is international demand for these lemons which are exported in many part of the world. Moreover, lemons are the base for the production of a world wide known liqueur, the limoncello, which has a positive impact on the economy of the region. Valuable is also the economy linked to the production of cakes, gadgets, ceramic and cloths inspired by the lemons. The creation of pergola is also having a positive effect on the economy of the peninsula.

Probably, the economic activity which has the highest benefit from the presence of the cultivation of traditional lemons is tourism. Thousands of tourists every year are attracted by the scenarios of the Costiera, enjoying not only the beautiful small villages but also the landscapes.

The presence of terraces, lemons pergolas, windbreaks, short stony walls and footways preserved and developed through human activity over centuries, has created a beautiful scenery –unsuitable for other systems of traditional agriculture but representing a most advanced expression of landscape architecture. The terraces and plants have, moreover, balanced and avoided the natural phenomenon of land degradation and environment damage which is otherwise very common in similar areas in Italy.

Threats and Challenges

The strong competition with lemons coming from South of Italy and other Mediterranean countries makes the lemon culture in the Costiera scarcely competitive, due mainly to the difficult, labour intensive and expensive agricultural practices.

Policy and Development Relevance

It would be important to analyse the legislative and strategy background to identify possible incentives for the promotion and conservation of this unique practice and its enabling environment as a heritage for the future.

In July 2001 the Italian Ministry of Agricultural Policy (MIPA) established the “Indicazione Geografica Protetta” for lemons from the Costiera d'Amalfi as prescribed by CEE provision n. 2081/92.

Global Importance

There has been a co-evolution between landscape, development and soil creation (terraces) and human presence in an appropriately sustainable system. These features should be preserved and appraised as an example of integration between anthropogenic activity and nature conservation.

See also:

Agricultural heritage systems: lemon gardens in southern Italy regions