"We are represented in all national supermarket chains, which support us in our initiatives."

Selenella Consorzio Patata Italiana di Qualità (Italian Consortium for Quality Potatoes), made its presence at the 40th edition of Macfrut with products derived from agriculture 4.0, with a high level of quality and low environmental impact. Among other things, harvesting operations of new potatoes are resuming these days in Sicily, where cultivated areas and Selenella producers have increased by 20 percent. 

"However, the volumes are a bit lower than expected," Giacomo Accinelli, says the general coordinator of the Consorzio Patata Italiana di Qualità, "due to climatic problems. On the other hand, we expect onions to be harvested in early June, while we are working on increasing volumes for the orange baby carrot (which accounts for 100 percent of our supply)."

In the photo: Martina Bruni, Giacomo Accinelli and Luisa Chiesa

"After a slow start to the season due to the bad weather that hit the Syracuse area last February, partially damaging the crops, we have now started harvesting the potatoes sown later, which were less affected by the bad weather," explains Massimo Cristiani, president of Selenella- Consorzio Patata Italiana di Qualità. Thanks to the gradual sowing schedule adopted by our Consortium, the harvest is finally proceeding fast, with good quality potatoes and good quantities. Therefore, sales have also received the expected acceleration in May. 

Massimo Cristiani

Meanwhile, as of Sunday, 7 May, Selenella Novelle Potatoes have again taken center stage on the radio and the web. The communication campaign on the main national radio stations and on digital has been relaunched, with particularly well-followed profiles such as Giallo Zafferano and major sporting events such as the Coppa Italia competitions. 

Speaking of the Classic Potato, Selenella producers confirmed and even increased the planned areas. A particularly meaningful result, when considering the general context characterized this year by dropout phenomena, due to the low yield of many crops caused by high temperatures, severe drought and insect damage.

"In Emilia-Romagna," continues Giacomo Accinelli, "there is serious concern regarding the elateridae problem, which is currently without a remedy. We are monitoring soils using traps that tell us whether or not a given plot is suitable for planting potatoes. This phytosanitary problem is common to many other potato-growing areas abroad as well, for example in France, Belgium and Austria. "l

To curb problems of this kind, the Italian Quality Potato Consortium continues to invest in innovation and technology, creating the conditions for healthy and profitable farming, protecting crops and also reducing the impact on the environment. 

"Three watchwords characterize Selenella's sustainable philosophy: Precision Agriculture, Agriculture 4.0 and prudent water management," says Cristiani. "Cutting-edge technologies allow us to increase agricultural production and get the most out of crops in terms of quality as well.  

By collecting and analyzing all data from the field through a network of sensors, drones, IoT technologies and Artificial Intelligence, Selenella has been able to increase production while simultaneously reducing waste, environmental impact and costs for farms. Potatoes, carrots and onions production also gain other undeniable benefits from the use of Agriculture 4.0, including more effective disease prevention, better working conditions in the field, cost savings and more rational use of resources, particularly water. 

"Selenella has always been particularly aware about environmental and sustainability issues. The use of water in a more rational way is also one of the most important issues this year because of the forecasts regarding the summer drought," says Cristiani. "In the face of a potato shortage at a European scale, the expectations for the coming months are encouraging, thanks to the extension of our crops, the agronomic techniques put in place and the growing commitment of our farmers. The Selenella branded product, in any case, is entirely destined for the domestic market.

In conclusion, Giacomo Accinelli adds in turn, "Excellent feedback has also been obtained from processed product lines such as Selenella-branded gnocchi, made from fresh potatoes (not starch). Launched as a trial project in December, it has been a success that we are also grateful to all the national supermarket chains for. They not only stock our assortment, but also stand by us and support us in our initiatives."