BIOCHRYSUM Project: the short supply chain of organic Helichrysum spp. to produce bioactive phytoderivatives

Helichrysum spp. are widely cultivated in the Tuscan Archipelago for the formulation of perfumes and other cosmetic preparations, thanks to the recognized anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties of this plant [ 1 ]. The BIOCHRYSUM project, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests (MASAF) for research in organic farming (call no. 9220340, 2020), aims to develop a sustainable production of Helichrysum spp essential oil and extracts starting from genetically characterized native populations. The aims are to valorise the by-products after distillation (hydrolats and exhausted biomass) and to optimise the production of extracts for cosmetic, food and health applications. Alternative uses of plant extracts as biostimulants and biopesticides, as well as for the containment of biotic and abiotic stresses, will be tested. In order to optimize the stability, the biopharmaceutical and technological characteristics of the constituents, both conventional and innovative formulations (nanocarriers) will be developed. A key objective of the project will be the creation of a blockchain-based traceability system to monitor post-harvest phases through a database managed by all partners in the supply chain. The project is aligned with the Consolidated Law on Medicinal Plants (Legislative Decree 75/2018), which recognizes post-harvest operations, including distillation, as activities specific to the agricultural company. Partners are CREA-OF, the University of Florence (DAGRI, CHIM and CIBIACI), and some agricultural companies: Èssenziale (FI), Le Giunchiglie (GR), La Piana (LI), Arura (LI), San Rocco (LI). Partners in kind: Agricultural Technical Institute – ITAGR (FI), Tuscan Archipelago National Park Authority, Municipality of Capraia Isola (LI), SEMIA agricultural company (FI). Acknowledgments The BIOCHRYSUM project is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests (MASAF) for research in organic farming (call no. 9220340, 2020). Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany