Obituary – Franco Chialva

It is with deep sorrow that we have learned of the passing of our dear friend Franco Chialva.
A graduate in Chemistry from the University of Turin, Franco was a nationally and internationally recognized expert in the field of natural organic substances. He passionately managed his family’s farm in Pancalieri, specializing in medicinal crops, where he experimented with new cultivations and innovative techniques.

His professional career also included a managerial role in a multinational company in the beverage sector and, above all, a leading role in the promotion and development of the medicinal plants supply chain. Among his many positions, we recall:
- President (1989–1991) of the Italian Society of Phytochemistry (S.I.F.)
- President (1995–2001) and founding member of F.I.P.P.O. (Italian Federation of Medicinal Plant Producers)
- President (2002–2008) and founding member of S.I.S.T.E. (Italian Society of Herbal Sciences and Techniques)
- Member of the Board of Directors of EHGA (European Herb Growers Association)
- Member of the High Council of Agriculture – Medicinal Plants Commission
- Member of the ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) Scientific Committee
- Full Member of the Academy of Agriculture of Turin

He also carried out an esteemed academic activity as lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Universities of Turin and Pisa, as well as in several master’s programs and specialist courses at the Universities of Milan, Modena, Padua, and Parma.
With his passion, expertise, and dedication, Franco Chialva left a lasting mark on the field of medicinal plants.
On behalf of all members of the S.I.F., we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.

The SIF Board of Directors