The Artisanal Cheeses of Bergamo and the Orobic Valleys
The Artisanal Cheeses of Bergamo and the Orobic Valleys project celebrates and preserves the unique tradition of cheese-making in Bergamo and its surrounding valleys. This region boasts a rich dairy heritage, where traditional methods passed down through generations have shaped not only the production of artisanal cheeses but also the identity of local communities.
Bergamo is recognized as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy, a title that highlights the importance of its cheese-making tradition. The project aims to document and promote this legacy by collecting the stories of knowledge keepers—the cheesemakers who have safeguarded traditional techniques over time. Through a combination of digital storytelling, educational initiatives, and international collaborations, the project creates a bridge between past and future, ensuring that these time-honored practices remain relevant in a modern world.
By leveraging digital tools, historical research, and community engagement, Artisanal Cheeses of Bergamo and the Orobic Valleys aspires to enhance public awareness, support sustainable cheese production, and foster connections between Bergamo and other regions where artisanal cheese-making is a key cultural asset.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage
Document and safeguard traditional cheese-making knowledge through digital archives, interviews, and multimedia storytelling.
Education and Awareness
Engage local communities, schools, and international audiences in discovering the history, techniques, and values behind artisanal cheeses.
Sustainable Development and Networking
Promote responsible cheese production, support local economies, and connect Bergamo and the Cheese Valleys with other Creative Cities and regions sharing this cultural asset.
How to Participate
Who are knowledge keepers?
Knowledge keepers are the living guardians of traditional knowledge systems, deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of regional, local, and indigenous communities. Their expertise is expressed through agriculture, pastoralism, legends, folklore, rituals, songs, and traditional practices that have shaped territories for generations.
In the context of this project, herders, farmers, breeders, and master cheesemakers play a vital role in preserving and passing down the art of artisanal cheese-making, ensuring its continuity and sustainability.
Why participate?
- Protect your traditional knowledge and ensure it is preserved for future generations.
- Share your expertise and stories, becoming part of a growing network of artisanal cheesemakers.
- Gain visibility and connect with an international audience interested in traditional cheese-making.
How to join?
Tell us about yourself! We invite master cheesemakers and traditional dairy producers to share their stories, techniques, and products with us. Your contribution will become part of a global initiative to document and promote artisanal cheese-making heritage.
FAQs
How long does it take to complete my profile?
It takes just ten minutes to complete your profile and showcase your food production and heritage practices.
I’m not very tech-savvy. Can I get help to build my profile?
Yes! Please email support@trusttm.com, and we will send you a short form to fill out. Simply return it to us along with the requested photos. Once your profile is complete, we will email you a link and ask for your approval before it goes live.
Who can participate?
Independent cheesemakers, chefs, and artisanal food producers of all sizes, from small to large-scale operations.
What is the fee?
There is no cost to join as a producer or user—now or ever. This open-source initiative is supported by nonprofit and grant funding to build food resilience, promote cultural heritage, and strengthen the regional food economy.
Who will see my profile?
Profiles on the platform are open access and intended to be shared across users and networks, expanding direct connections between producers, makers, and buyers. You can view examples of other profiles here.
Is my data safe?
You are only required to provide your name, business name, and the products you produce. Additional details, images, and videos can be added at your discretion.
Your data is not shared with third parties. Anonymized and aggregated user data may be collected by the project team to improve platform performance, report results to grant agencies, and enhance support services for knowledge keepers.
Who controls my profile?
Knowledge keepers retain full control over their profiles and have the final approval before they are published. You may request access to update or refresh your content at any time.
How we use your profile
As platform adoption grows, we plan to expand the platform’s value through various initiatives. One project already in development is a series of e-booklets featuring knowledge keepers. When submitting their profiles, participants can choose to opt in to this or other future opportunities.
Do you have any further questions?
Contact us at support@trusttm.com
