O.N.A.F.
ONAF, the National Organization of Cheese Tasters,
was set up in Cuneo in 1989 with the aim of proposing
an organization - for the first time in Italy - which
could promote the quality of Italian cheese to an ever-wider
and increasingly well-prepared public through tastings.
Today ONAF’s activity focuses on the training
of Cheese Tasters, through courses which have been
held throughout Italy for many years in order to promote,
disseminate, extend and harness the culture of cheese
and dairy production in the light of the most advanced
tasting methods and the consideration of dairy products
as an expression of local traditions and contexts.
Taster training courses are held at three levels:
- level 1 envisages 10 lessons, leading to a final
examination to qualify for membership of the Register
of Tasters;
- level 2, held annually and open to registered tasters,
combines lessons of theory with guided tastings;
passing the final exam qualifies participants for
membership of the Register of Master Tasters.
- level 3, which is designed to provide a very detailed
technical-scientific preparation.
As of 31st December 2006, ONAF had around 1700 active
members who had attended courses, including approximately
four hundred Master Tasters. Since 1998 a roll of Ordinary
Members has also been open in order to welcome into
the Organization those who wish to join, even though
they have not had the possibility to attend a level
1 course and have not therefore qualified as Tasters
or Master Tasters.
The Association operates through a network of Delegations
covering a large number of the Italian provinces. Furthermore,
the Organization is also involved in co-operation on
a European-wide level in studying tasting techniques,
safeguarding products of excellence, and organizing
leading events in the dairy world. It takes part in
trade shows and events with the precise aim of promoting
awareness of Italian Denomination of Origin and significant
smaller-scale dairy products, using the tasting technique
to highlight the properties that combine to bring out
all the quality and essence of cheese.
O.N.A.F. – Organizzazione Nazionale Assaggiatori Formaggi
Via Castello, 5 – 12060 Grinzane Cavour CN
Tel. 0173/231108 – Fax 0173/230029
www.onaf.it
onaf@onaf.it |
