This breed is named after the town of Girgenti (modern-day Agrigento). Its long, spiraling horns, reaching up to 70 centimeters on the males, make it unmistakable. With its horns and white coat, it resembles wild Asian goats, and its origins, according to some, can be traced back to the goats of Tibet. The breed was probably brought to Sicily by the Arabs, who invaded in 827. From Mazara, they spread around the island, travelling with their animals, and the goats became established in the southwest of Sicily. Their milk is renowned for its excellent balance between fat and protein.
Season
Available year-round
Back to the archive > In the 1920s and ’30s, farmers would sell milk by going from home to home with their flocks of Girgentana goats, milking them on the spot. Hygiene regulations and the spread of heat-treated milk led to a steep decline in the breed’s numbers. While there were 30,000 in the 1950s, now there are just over 500. The Presidium has united the last remaining farmers and wants to promote the production of raw-milk cheeses, boosting the farmers’ pride and income as well as increasing the number of Girgentana goats being farmed.
Production area
Agrigento Province
Presidium supported by
Sicilian Region
Production area
Agrigento Province
Presidium supported by
Sicilian Region
Producers
Az. Agr. Casearia delle Scale
di Rosa Calascibetta
Via Salita Croci, 72
Monreale (Pa)
Tel. +39 334 8274396
aziendagricoladellescale@gmail.com
La Mannirata
di Stefano e Vincenzo Vinti
Via Napoli, 1
San Biagio Platani (Ag)
Tel. +39 329 7362070
lamannirata@gmail.com
The Presidium also includes the farmers Gaetano Gelo (from Sciacca), Giovanni Fazio (from Canicattì), Giacomo Gatì (from Campobello di Licata), Illuminato La Greca (from Cammarata) and Salvatore Vassallo (from Licata).
Az. Agr. Casearia delle Scale
di Rosa Calascibetta
Via Salita Croci, 72
Monreale (Pa)
Tel. +39 334 8274396
aziendagricoladellescale@gmail.com
La Mannirata
di Stefano e Vincenzo Vinti
Via Napoli, 1
San Biagio Platani (Ag)
Tel. +39 329 7362070
lamannirata@gmail.com
The Presidium also includes the farmers Gaetano Gelo (from Sciacca), Giovanni Fazio (from Canicattì), Giacomo Gatì (from Campobello di Licata), Illuminato La Greca (from Cammarata) and Salvatore Vassallo (from Licata).
