Bio in Sicily – Forum on Biodiversity and Sicilian Agri-food Excellence

A forum for biodiversity in the Piana di Bagheria

Bio in Sicily is the forum that, in the municipality of Bagheria (Metropolitan City of Palermo), brings together producers, researchers, chefs, and administrators every autumn to discuss biodiversity, sustainability, and the promotion of Sicilian agri-food excellence. The event takes place in the scenic Villa Palagonia, a famous Baroque residence in the Piana di Bagheria, and offers two days packed with conferences, thematic talks, and public tastings.

The verdello lemon, a symbol of the territory

The heart of the forum is the Piana di Bagheria, a land of citrus groves and olive orchards overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. In recent years, Bio in Sicily has linked its identity to the recognition process for the Slow Food Presidium for the Lemon and Verdello Lemon of the Piana di Bagheria, an indigenous variety that symbolizes local agricultural tradition. Alongside citrus fruits, the event highlights olive culture and extra virgin olive oil production, a heritage of the territory's agri-cultural tradition.

Themes and protagonists

The program alternates between moments of reflection and convivial occasions, involving the Slow Food Condotta of Bagheria, the La Piana d'Oro Association, the GAL Metropoli Est, and the APO Sicilia Consortium. Topics addressed include:

• biodiversity and the protection of indigenous Sicilian varieties;
• sustainable local development and the bio-economy of the Eleuterio valley;
• certified agri-food products as a lever for territorial marketing;
• food and wine tourism, cultural heritage, and the blue economy of the Piana;
• food education for local schools.

An experience of culture and taste

The forum's evenings culminate in dinners and tastings featuring Sicilian chefs and local wineries, with proceeds supporting the Slow Food Presidium project. Bio in Sicily thus confirms itself as an event that combines scientific dissemination, rural identity, and the pleasure of the table in one of the most fascinating villas in Sicily.