From 2016 to 2024, we have significantly reduced the use of agrochemicals by 52%.
In precise monitoring activities aimed at reducing the use of phytochemicals to preserve and safeguard crops, the role of our field agronomists is crucial. Thanks to their expertise and deep knowledge of the main parasitic problems, they are able to assist production.
In fact, based on the different seasons, environmental conditions, and specific characteristics of each crop, as well as the peculiarities of the main phytopathologies associated with them, they can implement ad hoc strategies using different agronomic techniques with an environmental sustainability perspective.
Our self-monitoring of productions is complemented by repeated phytosanitary analyses on the materials under cultivation.
Since 2024, we have been using digital traps for monitoring and controlling insects, activated with species-specific pheromones.
We have implemented behaviors and technologies to mitigate environmental contamination by using air injection anti-drift fan nozzles with low operating pressures. Unlike traditional nozzles, anti-drift nozzles produce homogeneous, larger droplets that are less susceptible to wind transport, thus resulting in less drift.
Even in the nursery intended for fruit tree cultivation, for protecting the aerial part of the plants, we have introduced the use of a spray bar equipped with anti-drift nozzles.
We comply with drift and runoff mitigation measures imposed by regulations and listed on product labels by equipping our nurseries with tree barriers along the outer perimeter.
Newly designed nurseries feature grassed buffer zones.
In relation to the mandatory integrated defense, we have introduced control strategies that use the mating disruption or sexual confusion method for Zeuzera pyrina and Grapholita molesta, covering about 100 hectares of our production in 2024, achieving satisfactory results in preventing crop damage, avoiding or reducing treatments for the two species by 80%.
From 2016 to 2024, we reduced herbicide use by 40%.
In container crops, we use mulching with wood waste chips from the Pistoia Mountains to protect crops from competition with weeds and limit evaporation by maintaining adequate soil moisture.
We have further increased the presence of controlled grassing areas, with the aim of preserving soil structure, increasing biodiversity, and reducing erosion.
We have increased buffer zones for the protection of surface water bodies by maintaining coverage with natural vegetation.
In open-field crops, we have intensified the use of mechanical soil operations, limiting the use of herbicides.
