Bernardi's farm, located in the province of Rimini, boasts nearly 4 hectares of greenhouse-grown eggplants. "Harvesting will start in about a month," stated Christopher Bernardi, owner, and Francesco Fabbri, agronomist manager, "and for us, it represents a step forward in offering vegetables produced directly by our company. What makes it special, as with our other products, is that it's a zero-residue product."
Growing eggplants is no easy feat. As some say, peppers and eggplants are the university of horti cultivation. "Eggplants and peppers tend to 'hold a grudge': make a mistake, and they won't forgive you, with the consequences affecting the entire cycle in terms of yield and quality. That's why we only started cultivating them after we managed to find skilled labor capable of strictly following our production guidelines."
Francesco Fabbri and Christopher Bernardi
The availability of directly produced, zero-residue eggplants will be nearly continuous from the end of May to the end of December. "Naturally, this timeframe can be affected by the weather. For instance, we thought we could start harvesting around May 20, but given the recent drop in temperatures, a delay of a few days is not out of the question."
Thanks to beneficial insects and careful agronomic management, Bernardi guarantees zero residue. "We also pay close attention to fertigation and, thanks to probes, we can supply water and nutrients only when they are truly needed," comments Fabbri.
Bernardi in a 10-hectare fennel plot
In addition to eggplants, the cultivation of other products such as leeks, melons, and fennel continues. "The melon will be available from the end of May," concludes Bernardi. "We are growing both smooth and netted varieties, plus a trial with a new, highly aromatic selection, which will create a premium line."
For more information
Bernardi srl
Via San Martino
in Riparotta 5T
47922 Rimini - Italy
+39 0541 740436
[email protected]
www.ortofruttabernardi.it