"While the production and marketing season for table tomato and dark green courgettes is in full swing, in the next few days we will also see the first sprouts of lamuyo pepper," says Adriana Lo Monaco, Sales Manager of Agroenergie, based in Scoglitti (RG), Sicily.
Adriana Lo Monaco (in a pepper greenhouse)
Peppers, courgettes, cauliflowers, datterino and cherry tomatoes
"So far, the tomato campaign has been quite satisfactory for the segments present in our greenhouses (datterino and cherry tomatoes), with sustained average prices," continues the manager. "Similarly, quotations for courgettes (recently valued at over 1.20 euro/kg) have been satisfactory, although there is a downturn in the market. We are nearing the end of this segment, having planned to transplant cauliflower in the coming weeks. This is likely one of the few cases of growing brassica in high-tech facilities with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, the potential to cultivate in a protected environment that generates electricity makes our production highly sustainable and aligned with the EU's Green Deal directives."
Lamuyo peppers
"With regard to the current tomato prices, which have risen above €3 per kg for the datterino and above €2 per kg for the ciliegino," continues Lo Monaco, "this is not due to speculative factors, but rather reflects the balance between supply and demand in the market. The low availability of the product on the market, caused by the delay in transplanting, has resulted in a lack of supply, which has led to high prices. This period will conclude within 15 to 20 days when the market will need to consider the increase in Italian and foreign production, as well as the climatic factor. As is commonly understood, quotations typically undergo change with the advent of winter and lower temperatures. In summary, we can expect to see initial market stabilisation around mid-month next month."
Photovoltaic greenhouse: dark green courgettes are grown here
Appreciation of sustainable production among foreign markets
"Our brand is experiencing significant growth among foreign large-scale retailers, particularly those in central and northern Europe," says Lo Monaco. "It is evident that sustainability is a primary concern for these supermarket chains, which position "green-friendly" products at the forefront of their shelves.
We are able to meet these requirements perfectly, as we combine agronomy and technology in a way that has a very close to zero real impact on the environment when managing the most specialised crops. The extensive use of beneficial insects (antagonists and pollinators), along with traps, also significantly reduces the need for pesticides."
Courgette
Agroenergie Soc. Agr. Srl cultivates a range of highly specialised horticultural crops in 90,000 square metres of greenhouses at its Scoglitti (RG, Sicily) site, including both photovoltaic and non-photovoltaic facilities. Cultivation is carried out on a coconut fibre cake substrate and in soil, with automated fertigation systems programmed to regulate the necessary inputs. At the Chiaramonte Gulfi (RG, Sicily) site, the company cultivates strawberries in a 4,400 m² high-tech greenhouse.
For more information:
Matteo Baglieri - Chairman of the Board of Directors 
Agroenergie Soc. Agr. Srl
By Energiainrete SpA.
Via G. Falcone 16 - Comiso (RG)
Toll-free contact number (Italy): 800 588888
Overseas contact number: +39 348 3839418
[email protected]
[email protected]