About Valdarno Chickens

The saga of the Valdarno chicken, a tale steeped in tradition and controversy, dates back to the early 20th century when Cav. Maggi, a prominent breeder from the Valdarno region, meticulously crafted the breed's standard in 1905. This standard was officially endorsed by the Italian Poultry Society during the National Congress in Mantova, presided over by Marchese Trevisan. However, the journey towards recognition was fraught with polemics among judges, breeders, and experts, as chronicled in the book "Poultry Scattered Pages" published by Battiato in 1914.

Despite the lingering debate, the Valdarno breed eventually faded into obscurity. Yet, in recent years, the fervent dedication of enthusiast breeder Fabrizio Focardi has sparked a revival effort. Through meticulous crossbreeding involving Bresse and Castigliana chickens, along with indigenous breeds discovered on Gabriele Fantocchi's farm in Siena county, Focardi successfully showcased the Valdarno at the Italian Championship of Reggio Emilia in 1998.

The modern standard for the Valdarno adheres closely to the 1905 blueprint sanctioned by F.I.A.V. However, ongoing discussions are exploring potential modifications based on historical paintings and photographs. Clarification is also sought regarding the distinction between the Valdarno and the Valdarnese; while the former is characterized by a black plumage with slate-grey shanks and white skin, the latter, a hybrid breed from the 1950s, sports white plumage with white shanks and skin.

In terms of culinary merit, the Valdarno reigns supreme, outshining its Valdarnese counterpart with superior meat quality and egg production. Comparable to the esteemed French Bresse breed, the Valdarno's significance extends beyond gastronomy. Its robust nature makes it ideally suited for outdoor rearing, thriving in the Tuscan countryside and renowned for early feathering and growth. Despite its historical prominence, the Valdarno faced near-extinction until the "Gallo Nero" project, initiated between 2002 and 2005, spearheaded efforts for the breed's preservation and restoration, underscoring its enduring legacy in Tuscan agricultural heritage.