How to complete your offer also in winter and transition months when local production diminishes and it is not easy to find produce? Fellini Patrizio from Gambettola (Forlì-Cesena) has decided to plant 2 hectares (for the time being) of greenhouses at its company Azienda Agricola 67.
Greenhouses under construction
"The main objective is completing the supply of lettuce we produce in Romagna also during the winter months. We didn't use to have greenhouses, but we have no filled this gap. We are starting with two hectares because we want to do things slowly. Work is underway and will end in September so we can start with fall transplants. We will plant cucumbers and zucchini as well as lettuce," explains Emile Fellini.
Emile Fellini with his "right arm" Giacomo Pasquale
The main partners are Opus for the structures and Campedelli for irrigation. "In addition, we are also getting organized when it comes to mechanization, as cultivating protected crops is not the same as in the open fields, it requires specific technologies."
Emile Fellini
Zero residue production can also continue and intensify thanks to greenhouses. "We are currently setting up 42 polytunnels. It may seem crazy to invest in such a period... and I think we might be a bit crazy, but we believe it is during these periods that one must leap forward. We have 100 hectares and we also have partners that follow our production specifications. We are equipped to tackle the market in any situation."
Preparation of a sowing bed: Patrizion Fellini, the company's founder and Emile's father, can be seen on the tractor
Nonetheless, the system should be improved. "I believe planning should be at the basis of the Italian fresh produce sector, but unfortunately it is not. Precise cultivation plans should be made with clients so as not to produce too much nor too little. We are ready to do so and to pursue a journey of sustainability, respect for the environment and against waste. But our interlocutors need to be committed as well."
For further information:
Fellini Patrizio S.r.L.
Via G. Pascoli, 875
47035 Gambettola (FC) - Italy
+39 0547 659 777
emile@fellinipatrizio.it
www.fellinipatrizio.it