Azienda Agraria Cantonale

**The Cantonal Agricultural Company has its headquarters in Mezzana, on buildings and fields donated to the Canton by Pietro Chiesa, who in 1912, when he acquired it, stipulated that it be used as a farm and school for Ticino agriculture. The Cantonal Agricultural Company also includes the Gudo State Agricultural Property and Alpe Giumello in the Morobbia Valley. **

Through the Cantonal Agricultural Company and the Green Professional Center (CPV) as an educational center, the Canton supports both basic and continuing professional agricultural training, promoting the integration of theoretical training and agricultural practice.

The Mezzana headquarters covers approximately 60 hectares, where production-related activities are carried out in the sectors of viticulture (including the sale of vine cuttings), horticulture, fruit growing, forage cultivation, arable farming, and livestock production, including the raising of large livestock for milk and cheese production.

The State Agricultural Property is located in Gudo and covers approximately 50 hectares. In 2008, it was converted to an organic farm. The main activity is arable farming, with corn (grain and polenta), soybeans, and wheat. One hectare is dedicated to chestnut cultivation, in collaboration with the Association of Chestnut Growers of Italian Switzerland.

Alpe Giumello, where the highly regarded Giumello DOP cheese is produced, is located in the Morobbia Valley, at 1,600 meters above sea level. During the summer, it houses around sixty animals. The facility also includes a pigsty for whey disposal.