Objective:
In Italy, the collection of truffles is considered a professional activity mainly for “males”. The “Lady Truffle” initiative, founded by Elisa Ioni, sales manager of a renowned Umbrian truffle company, aims to unhinge this tradition, promoting the hobby of truffle hunting among women, and, in some cases, supporting the transformation of this hobby in a real profession.
Context:
In the Umbria region (central Italy) truffle hunting represents a key element of local traditions, where numerous inhabitants are truffle hunters, both as a hobby and as a professional activity. Only in the Northern part of the region, in the valleys called “Alto Tevere” and “Alto Chiascio”, with a total population of around 135000 inhabitants, truffle picking permits are more than 2200.
Contacts:
Elisa Ioni, commerciale@giulianotartufi.it, https://it.linkedin.com/in/lady-tartufo-elisa-ioni-652048114
Further information:
Tuttoggi, il giornale online dell'Umbria, 2019, Tartufai donne crescono, Elisa Ioni al debutto col vanghino, https://tuttoggi.info/tartufai-donne-crescono-elisa-ioni-al-debutto-col-vanghino/535091/ (Last access: 26/6/2020)