Agriculture has always been very important in South Tyrol (Italy), a province where one third of total area is farmed. In South Tyrol agriculture is small scale, which means that it is becoming more and more difficult for farmers to make a living exclusively from farming.
“Red Rooster” is an association whose aim is to support local farmers by creating extra income from the farm, thus guaranteeing the sustainable development of South Tyrol’s rural culture and putting people in touch with the rural world.
“Red Rooster” trademark was created in 1999 by the Farmer’s Union of South Tyrol for farms offering Farm Holidays in South Tyrol. From 2003, “Red Rooster” has also competed in “Farm Inns and Bars” and “Quality Farm Products” in South Tyrol. Red Rooster” tries to ensure that farm life carries on in a sustainable manner with the successful combination of agriculture and tourism.
Strict criteria and regular monitoring by “Red Rooster” ensure the highest quality for guests and the continued survival and development of South Tyrol’s rural culture for future generations as well. Among the most important criteria, there are the authentic, unspoil nature in picturesque countryside, pleasant, comfortable environment involving natural materials, “visible” direct experience of agriculture, farm produce, a “hands-on” rural experience and good value for money.
To know more on Good Practices about sustainable tourism in mountain areas, please have a look at:
– The Alpine Convention Report: “Sustainable tourism in the Alps, report on the State of the Alps“, published in 2012 (pages 79 to 80), which among others, describe this Good Practice.
