Research activities are aimed at the protection of biodiversity and the resulting spin-offs in terms of productivity and sustainability. This is particularly relevant considering the growing interest of legislators (both at the European and national and regional levels), production and processing industries, and consumers in recovering local varieties that are closely linked to their territory of origin. These varieties are perceived as having superior health properties.

The Rieti area, in particular, has a natural and well-established vocation on this issue, as it represented a cornerstone in Strampelli‘s cereal activity . The latter used genotypes from various parts of the world, crossing mainly with “Rieti” wheat, a local variety cultivated for centuries in the Sabine capital and recognized for its excellent quality characteristics.

The presence of a wheat quality analysis laboratory enables different local stakeholders to make use of the necessary instrumentation to evaluate flour produced from locally grown or externally sourced wheat. This analysis focuses on key quality characteristics (such as protein content and technological and commodity parameters ), facilitating the recovery of local varieties and their valorization. This process increases the added value of local cereal farming andprocessing industry, thus contributing to the sustainability and welfare of the area.