
Rules for epigeous (above ground) mushroom picking (Tuscan Law No.58/2010)
The authorization for mushroom picking is given by the Tuscany Region and it is valid within the whole region. For hunting within national and regional parks you must read the respective rules that might require additional authorization and/or different collection procedures from the ones outlined by the regional law.
Tuscany residents
• Residents who want collect epigeal mushrooms in the wild, strictly within the Municipality of residence are not required to carry any authorization;
• for the collection of wild epigeous mushrooms outside the Municipality of residence one must make a deposit in the postal account no. 6750946 in Tuscany Region’s name or a bank transfer IBAN code IT87 P076 0102 8000 0000 6750 946, or a payment via IRIS, the Tuscany Region’s platform for payments on Tuscan services.
The receipt must indicate it is for the purpose of ‘Raccolta funghi’ as well as the collector’s personal details (name), moreover it must be retained and carried at the time of collection, along with an identification document.
Price:
€ 13,00 for personal six month authorization
€ 25,00 for personal yearly authorization
N.B. In the case of residence in classified mountainous areas, these amounts are reduced by 50%. People between 14-18 years old who attended an information and education course by the article no. 17 of the Tuscan law 16/1999 have the same discount.
Tourist Authorization for non-residents in Tuscany
In the case of non-residents in Tuscany, the payment must be made to the postal account no. 6750946 in the name of Tuscany Region or a bank transfer IBAN code IT87 P076 0102 8000 0000 6750 946.
Price:
€ 15,00 for the daily tourist license.
€ 40,00 for 7 day tourist license.
€ 100,00 for a yearly tourist license.
The date or indication of the week must be added after the text in the reason section containing ‘Raccolta funghi’
It should also be remembered that:
• The personal information of the mushroom picker must be on the receipt in every place that requires it; similarly, in the case of payment made by the person who exercise parental authority on behalf of an underage child, the field should be filled with the minor’s personal details.
• The payment receipt must be kept and brought with you at the time of mushrooms picking together with a valid ID card.
• 3 kg daily maximum limit. The daily picking limit per person is 3 kilograms, except in the case of a single specimen or more specimens weighing more than 3 kilograms; the daily maximum limit increased up to ten kg only in the event that the residents in the classified mountain areas of Tuscany collect within their municipality of residence. There are no limits, however, for agricultural entrepreneurs and members of agroforestry cooperatives who, in possession of the certificate of authorization for the recognition of fungal species issued by the mycological inspectors, carry out the collection, for the purpose of supplementing their income, in the province of residence. In this case it is necessary to send a certified notification of the start of business (SCIA) to the office for productive activities (SUAP).
• Prohibition for some species. it is forbidden to pick the following species, the cap diameter is inferior to:
• 4 cm for Boletus Edulis (porcini);
• 2 cm for Hygrophorus marzuolus (dormiente) and for Lyophyllum ambosorum (prognolo).
It’s forbidden to pick the Amanita caesarea (ovolo buono) when the gills are not visible.
• Conditions for harvest: mushroom picking is allowed in the woods and uncultivated land where access is allowed and where it is not reserved for commercial mushroom harvesting. In regional and national parks or in protected area, the harvesting may be subjected to different rules and may require the possession of authorization permits issued by various associations, each with their own specifics rules.
The harvesting can be conducted from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. During the harvest it is forbidden to use tools that ruin the mycelium, the soil’s surface layer and the vegetation root (rakes).
• It is forbidden to use plastic bags, The mushrooms should be stored in rigid, aerated containers, such as baskets, which help to spread the spores.
Info URP Tuscany Region toll-free number 800-860070
The paid collection areas are located:
√ Soraggio Valley (Sillano-Giuncugnano) ASBUC email vallesoraggio@gmail.com tel +39 335 6474857 Mr. Antonio Sacchini
√ Fosciandora Coop. Le Tre Terre cell +39 371 418 2149
√ Careggine Ass. Monte Sumbra email montesumbra@gmail.com cell +39 328 6016075
√ Sillicano, Poggio, Filicaia (Camporgiano) Ass. Monte Volzi cell +39 338 2332865 Mrs. Guidi Antonella
N.B. Fabbriche di Vergemoli has instituted a ban on collecting on Saturday and Sunday throughout the municipal area.