Over the past few months, Orogel Fresco has planted four hectares of golden kiwifruit - the Jintao club variety by Jingold - in Cesena that will start producing in 2024. But it is just a first step.
"The Jintao variety has been planted for years in this territory, so we know production will be excellent with the right agronomic management. The orchard will become vigorous in 2023 and we will harvest the first fruits in 2024. Why did we choose golden kiwifruits as a first step? Because there is margin for growth and they are increasingly demanded by the market," explains technician Mauro Guardigni.
The orchard was designed according to the most modern production criteria. The anti-hail net was calculated to withstand violent storms and a perimeter net was also set up against insects in order to reduce the use of pesticides. Irrigation is carried out via a double dripline with an anti-frost system that also works as a coolant in the summer.
There are 4700 plants in total, 700 of which are pollinators. "We have also placed all the necessary probes to monitor the water condition of the soil, so as to irrigate only when needed."
As mentioned, these 4 hectares are only a first step, as other varieties such as Oriental Red and "verdeDIVO" will be introduced over the next few years.
"We do not want to replace producers with this project, but rather create an experience that proves the sustainability of fruit cultivation even in a not so easy period. If set up and managed correctly, a fruit orchard can still be profitable, but it needs to be designed well, with good agronomic management and planned sales," stresses Orogel Fresco director Vincenzo Finelli.
Technicians at work on the orchard
For further information
Orogel Fresco 
Via Emilia 3800
47020 Longiano (FC) - Italy
+39 0547 651860
www.orogelfresco.it