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Italy: Grapes taste better when they're sustainable

The harvesting campaign of the Italia and Red Globe variety is in full swing at Fichera & Torrisi (Sicily). Company agronomist Sergio Rizzo reports: "despite the early ripening due to the high temperatures and lack of rain, bunches have a good quality with high sugar content and a great muscat aroma for the Italia variety. Markets are appreciating our produce and consumption is in line with the average of the previous campaigns."

The company was founded in the 1980s in Chiaramonte Gulfi (RG). Its location just a few dozen km from the sea means the microclimate is ideal for the cultivation of table grapes and, of the 110 hectares of land, 70 are dedicated to grape production. 


Above and below: harvesting of Italia grapes 



The produce is sold to domestic and foreign retail channels. Fruit is processed in a 1,000 sq m processing and packaging centre.

The main cultivars are Victoria, Italia and Red Globe but there are also seedless varieties (Sophia, Midnight Beauty, Scarlotta, Early Red), which are particularly appreciated by the foreign market (Switzerland and Germany).

"We employ sustainable cultivation techniques to safeguard consumers and the environment. High-quality and food security are very important to us, as is the well-being of our staff."


Company agronomist Sergio Rizzo

The company is part of Syngenta's Interra® European project. It's a network that involves approximately 10 international companies, 3 of which are in Italy. The Interra Farm Network develops innovative technologies and solutions for sustainability and a multi-functional management of agriculture. 



"Good agricultural practices employ a series of tools that include: a warehouse compliant with legal standards for storage and a loading courtyard that is also used to wash phytosanitary treatment equipment. The company uses HELIOSEC® (see photo above) to manage the washing water used for crop treatments as per Legislative Decree no. 150/2012." 

"In addition, we are developing new activities part of the INTERRA FARM® networks such as: RUNOFF TOOL® for surface runoff diagnostics, APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY® to improve crop protection application and contain the drifting caused by sprayers and OPERATION POLLINATOR® to attract pollinator insects." 


Above: eye washing device

The company holds the GlobalGAP and Grasp certifications and defence is carried out with specific procedures that follow a very strict internal protocol in compliance with regulations.

Contacts:
Fichera & Torrisi S. S. Società agricola

C.da Mazzarronello
97012 - Chiaramonte Gulfi (RG) - Italy
Tel.: (+39) 0932921182
Fax: (+39) 0932921707
Mobile: (+39) 3807976444 (Dr. Sergio Rizzo)
Email: info@ficheraetorrisi.it
Web: www.ficheraetorrisi.it
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