Regional Act no. 12 of 2022. Recognition and promotion of the Mediterranean diet.

This Act, implementing articles 9 and 117 of the Constitution and the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, promotes the Mediterranean Diet as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and enhances it through measures aimed at supporting the development of food and wine sectors characterised by the production and marketing of agricultural products with a short chain, in order to improve rural development and environmental sustainability. The Act concerns: respect and promotion of Sicilian cultural identity through the promotion of the Mediterranean Diet; promotion of Mediterranean Diet as a way to enhance geographical production areas; studies and research on the effects of the Mediterranean Diet on health and lifestyles; promotion of lifestyles based on the Mediterranean Diet as a model of proper nutrition and a prevention of nutrition-related social diseases; the spread of the use of products and specialties of the Mediterranean diet in canteens and in school-feeding; protection and sustainable management of natural, rural and historical landscapes, and the Mediterranean ecosystems; promotion of public-private partnerships in order to enhance the regional territory at national and international level.
The Act provides for: adhesion of the Region to the UNESCO charter of values; Regional policies and governmental powers for the promotion of the Mediterranean Diet; creation of a network of enterprises and associations to promote the Mediterranean Diet; measures aimed at enhancing olive oil and quality agri-food productions.