Il Forteto

The Il Forteto Cooperative was founded way back in 1977 and was established in &' Bovecchio's farm, in the municipality of Barberino di Mugello, in the province of Florence; then in 1982 the cooperative moved to the Riconi company, also in Mugello, but in the municipalities of Vicchio and Dicomano. The agricultural cooperative Il Forteto was born from the will of a group of young people aged 19 or 20 who met in the premises of a parish in Prato.

They were students, young workers, who met to talk about their problems and to organize some meeting points for the community. Over time, the group began to mature the need to give themselves a perspective for the future made up of a life together. At that time, agriculture seemed to be the most suitable environment to realize this ideal of common life. In that group of 20-year-olds from Prato and Florentines who decided to “return to the land” in the 70s, it seemed a natural fact to seek support in their experiences at &' Universities, in study and research centers: this is how experimentation became an integral part of their work.

Even today, this commitment to &' innovation is visible in the technology of orchard systems, in the drip irrigation method, in anti-frost systems and in computer applications that integrate the consolidated artisanal work for the production of cheese. Innovations that are able to enhance traditional experiences and cultures. The Fortet is also particularly attentive to the protection of the environment: in the almost 500 hectares of its territory, it maintains a balanced relationship with nature and the environment, providing for a sustainable use of resources.

Since the beginning of its activity, the Il Forteto Cooperative has also tried to stand out on the agri-food market through a base of cooperating members who highlight the quality and value of the products offered on the market. #39 Currently, the Il Forteto Cooperative is a &' a company that successfully produces and markets cheese, meat, apples, extra virgin olive oil, bread and numerous other food products in Italy and abroad. #39

However, it is in &' the field of dairy production that this Florentine reality manages to do its best: truly unique cheeses that will bring only the best of quality and taste to your table, strictly handmade products with the raw materials of the wonderful landscape of Mugello. One of the qualities of Il Forteto is the ability to give life and new products that, usually, represent the revival in a modern key of a &' an ancient dairy tradition strongly