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The production of straw thrived until the beginning of the 20th century, mostly in the lower Onsernone valley: this activity was already being documented at the end of the 1500's, possibly spread by emigrants who imported this craft from other countries. It was used by most of the population in different stages. Rye, sown in October or in spring, was reaped in July. The rye straw was exposed to the sun on ledges for three weeks; then it was beaten, left to soak and dried three times and lastly whitened with sulphur. After having divided it by size (there were twelve different sizes), a braid (?binda?) was made, 10-12 metres in length, that was washed and whitened again, then brought to the market on special sticks with transverse arms. Baskets, bags and hats were made mainly in Loco, where firstly the "binda" was pressed. The products were sold at local markets in Piedmont, Lombardy and in French Switzerland. Today, production of (foreign) straw survives among a few craftsmen but has been very much transformed and offers products of contemporary taste.
The ethnographical museum in Loco has a section dedicated to this particular Vallerano craft.
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