For centuries the town of Montevarchi was the central "market place" of the Valdarno, Chianti and Pratomagno districts - and was one of the most important markets for the whole of Tuscany. It was an important meeting place for traders, wholesalers, and particularly for small farmers and small producers and the local residents who shopped there. Until the 1960s, the Montevarchi market was an essential opportunity for small-scale producers in the region to sell their produce, and typically included vegetables, rabbits, chickens, artichokes, cheese, oil, and chestnuts.

This long-standing tradition inspired the current Montevarchi Earth Market, which has brought back local producers and the excellent produce that is still made in the region to the town's central square. The market opened in June 2005 on a monthly basis, and today the producers are true representatives for the local area, passing their experience and knowledge to residents and visitors and increasing awareness about the local food traditions. The market brings economic and commercial benefits for both producers and customers. It is a new economic opportunity for small producers, which assists to shorten the local food supply chain (involving producers, restaurateurs, processors and traders), and strengthening relationships between producers and consumers.

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Montevarchi Earth Market

April 10th, June 12th, October 9th, December 11th. 9am to 7pm.
Every day, Mon-Sat, 9am-1pm, 4.30pm-8.30pm, Piazza dell'Antica Gora
Tel +39 335.5201955 - 055.9851425
www.ilmercatale.it
info@il-mercatale.it
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