ONAF

ONAF, the National Organisation of Cheese Tasters, was set up in Cuneo in 1989 with the aim of being the first organisation in Italy to promote the qualities of cheeses to an increasingly wide and well-informed public by using the technique of cheese tasting.

ONAF’s activities today focus on training cheese tasters through courses for would-be tasters held all over Italy, with the aim of promoting, spreading, expanding and enhancing the culture of cheese and dairy products in the light of the most advanced tasting methods and the recognition of the cheese product as an expression of the tradition and reality of its territory.

The training of tasters is carried out on three levels: a first level course which, through 10 lessons and the passing of a final exam, entitles the holder to enrol in the Register of Master Tasters; a second level course, held annually at university or institutional venues, which, through alternating theoretical lessons and guided tastings, entitles the holder to enrol in the Register of Master Tasters after passing an exam. Since 1998 it is possible to accept and include into the ranks of the Organisation people who, being unable to attend a first level course, wish to enrol in ONAF even without the qualification of Taster or Master Taster, through the opening of a list of Ordinary members.

The Association, which now has more than 1,500 members, operates nationwide through its network of Delegations covering most of the Italian provinces. Furthermore, the organisation is involved in Europe-wide cooperation for the study of tasting techniques, the defence of excellent productions and the organisation of leading events in the dairy world. It takes part in sector exhibitions and events with the specific aim of promoting the knowledge of Italian cheese products with Denomination of Origin, together with minor productions, through the use of the tasting technique aimed at searching for features that enhance the quality and soul of the cheese itself.

O.N.A.F. – National Organisation of Cheese Tasters,
Via Castello, 5 – 12060 Grinzane Cavour (CN)
Tel. 0173/231108 – Fax 0173/2300294
Email: onaf@onaf.it