GELSETA

GELSETA is a project that merges innovation, tradition, and environmental care to revive Verona’s silk production, creating new connections between agriculture, craftsmanship, industry, and territory.

Starting with mulberry farming (gelsicoltura), the project develops a full-cycle process, including silkworm rearing and silk spinning into high-quality yarns, aiming for a local, traceable, and sustainable supply chain.

MIC, a producer of sewing, embroidery, and knitting yarns with deep local roots, participates not only as an industrial partner but also as a promoter of a circular, low-impact production model. Our expertise will support the final phase: transforming cocoons into silk thread, in close collaboration with agricultural and scientific partners.

THE THREE STAGES OF GELSETA

MULBERRY FARMING

The creation of a widespread mulberry grove reconnects communities with the historic landscape, promotes biodiversity, and opens new opportunities for innovative and sustainable agriculture, contributing to CO₂ reduction.

SILKWORM REARING

Through participatory and low-impact practices, the project introduces modern, responsible sericulture adapted to diverse agricultural contexts while respecting the environment.

SILK SPINNING

Locally produced cocoons will be transformed into high-quality yarns, enhancing artisanal know-how, local resources, and supply-chain collaboration.

VERONESE SILK:

A VALUE FOR THE TERRITORY

GELSETA is an anthropological, economic, and historical project, engaging universities, schools, businesses, and local communities in a living, generative network.

The revival of Veronese silk activates a traceable local supply chain and promotes sustainable, circular production models.

• Mulberry cultivation boosts biodiversity and helps reduce CO₂.
• The fiber is processed without harmful chemicals, minimizing environmental impact.
• Silk’s recyclability makes it ideal for supporting ecological transition goals.
• Thanks to its unique properties, the silk produced is used in high-value applications: from fashion and design to biomedical and cosmetic sectors.

GELSETA’S goals go beyond silk production:

• Promote biodiversity and landscape regeneration.
• Advance low-impact, traceable agricultural and industrial models.
• Create a living network linking science, tradition, and innovation.
• Offer new job and training opportunities, especially for young people.

MULBERRY CULTIVATION AND SERICULTURE TODAY:
Experiences and Practices Compared

20 June 2026
3:00 PM
Corte Fornaci (Località Fornaci 4)
Villafranca di Verona, Italy
 

What are the challenges and opportunities of mulberry cultivation and sericulture today?
 

An opportunity to explore topics of great relevance to the sector, share experiences, and discuss the future prospects of the silk production chain.

Participation is free of charge, subject to availability.
 

Advance registration is required.
Please register by email at: progettogelseta@gmail.com.

The Project is supported by

Project partners include