NAPLES, May 27, 2026 – The first farmers’ market organized by Coldiretti has officially opened at the Federico II University Polyclinic in Naples. This initiative aims to sensitize consumers about the benefits of correct food choices, which, according to a Coldiretti analysis based on Fondazione Aletheia data, could prevent 144,000 cases of non-communicable diseases by 2050.
Promoting Healthy Eating and Local Produce
The market, located in the spaces of the School of Medicine and Surgery at the Neapolitan hospital, offers a wide selection of local agricultural excellences. Among the products available are buffalo, sheep, and cow cheeses, including the renowned Mozzarella di Bufala, along with aged cured meats, extra virgin olive oil, truffles, and truffle-based processed products.
Seasonal fruits and vegetables also feature prominently, such as Campania Annurca apples, Vesuvian apricots, cherries, zucchini, peas, and the traditional ‘piennolo’ tomato. Visitors can also find multiflower, chestnut, and eucalyptus honey, royal jelly, and propolis. Baked goods and processed products made with ancient grains, such as taralli, dry pasta, and artisanal honey or jam-filled sweets, are also available. Tomato preserves, products in oil, bread, caciocavallo cheese, fresh fruit juices, and typical preparations like Caprese salad (with tomato and mozzarella), a symbol of the Mediterranean Diet and Campania’s agro-food quality, complete the offer.
A Socially Valuable Initiative
The farmers’ market at the Polyclinic marks a new stage in the project promoted by Coldiretti and Fondazione Campagna Amica, in collaboration with Fondazione Aletheia. Previous successful implementations include markets at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome and the Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bari. Bringing a farmers’ market to a hospital is an initiative of great social value, as it creates a dedicated space for a food model based on fresh, local, and minimally processed agricultural products, fostering healthier and more conscious habits within healthcare facilities and families alike.
This project also aims to guide future public food policies towards greater attention to food quality and prevention. As Coldiretti emphasizes, health begins primarily with nutrition. Adhering to the principles of the Mediterranean Diet and limiting the consumption of ultra-processed foods represents one of the most effective forms of disease prevention.
The Importance of the Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean Diet, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, is characterized by a high consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and olive oil, with moderate intake of fish and dairy products, and limited consumption of red meat and sweets. This dietary pattern has been consistently linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
The presence of a farmers’ market directly within a hospital setting provides a unique opportunity for patients, staff, and visitors to access fresh, high-quality produce, reinforcing the message that food is medicine. It also serves as an educational platform, encouraging healthier eating habits and promoting local agricultural economies.
Future Outlook and Policy Implications
Coldiretti and its partners hope that the success of these hospital-based farmers’ markets will encourage public institutions to integrate similar initiatives into broader health and food policies. The goal is to create a more direct link between agricultural production and consumer health, ensuring that healthy, local food is accessible to everyone. This approach not only benefits public health but also supports sustainable agriculture and strengthens local communities.
