Through the application of soil conservation practices and the promotion of biodiversity, we are paving the way for the transition to regenerative agriculture for apple, pear, and strawberry crop systems.
Soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change expose agriculture to increasing risks, leading to alarming consequences for the environment, farmers, and consumers. Rethinking methods for producing crops sustainably has become paramount in regions across Italy.
Regenerative agriculture encompasses a holistic set of practices that create net beneficial impacts on agricultural production and the environment — starting from the enhancement of functions naturally provided by ecosystems.
Through soil conservation practices and the promotion of biodiversity, PUR is paving the way for the transition to regenerative agriculture for apple, pear, and strawberry crop systems.
While implementing the first regenerative agriculture project in Italy, PUR established several partnerships with key research entities in the country — providing high-quality training content based on the latest research outcomes in soil fertility, compost and organic amendment, biodiversity, and integrated pest management.
The Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) and the Universities of Turin, Bologna and Milan all took part in the project, contributing to training sessions as well as the monitoring and evaluation plan of the activities.
Within Tutti Frutti’s project activities, PUR established a collaboration with Semios — a US-based company providing digital services to agriculture. This involved implementing a “smart mating disruption system” to reduce the pressure of a key apple orchard pest, Cydia pomonella.
The trial on a pilot farm proved useful and effective in reducing the number of plant-protection product applications overall, resulting in significant savings for the farmer.
Diversifying agricultural ecosystems by planting different species increases soil health, while also creating additional market opportunities and fostering economic resilience for farming communities.
In the Veneto Region, in collaboration with Semios, a local farmer — Stephano Giuliari — implemented a “smart mating disruption system” against Cydia pomonella.
By hindering insect mating, this solution allowed Stephano to significantly reduce the number of pesticide applications in the field throughout the cropping season in 2022.
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