Quality schemes and pastoralism in sicily: Relic from the past or ace in the hole?

Pastoralism is rooted into the economic and cultural history of Sicily, although in the last decades it dramatically reduced. This paper argues that pastoralism could contribute to shape the sustainable development of marginalized areas of Sicily, if properly managed. Quality labels with environmental standards, such as Slow Food Presidia and Geographical Indications, could be a powerful tool to guarantee the future of this old-time activity. On the one hand, pastoralism could be an effective economic strategy for small farms since it caracterises the production of specialty food for a lucrative market concerned by quality and environment. It also allows the implementation of complementary activities. On the other hand, pastoralism is based on local breeds and extensive use of the land and pastures, and contributes to foster public goods such as biodiversity.