Towards a new national cork plan for Italy, between critical issues and new challenges

Conservation of the unique cork oak habitat (both as sparse forest with a well-developed shrub and herbaceous layer, and as semi-natural systems maintainedby livestock breeding), sustainable cork utilization, solid ties with the wine industry, appropriate legislation oriented towards rural development and research into innovative cork products are some of the main key-points discussed recently in the framework of the National Cork Plan update. We emphasize here the most relevant topics, which have emerged in the discussion between representatives of research institutions and cork oak stakeholders, coordinated by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies.