Following two years of research and trials conducted in Valsugana (Trento) and the Netherlands, the Sant'Orsola cooperative unveiled the 'Trentino greenhouse' to its members on 21 November 2024. The presentation was held in the auditorium of the Village of Small Fruits in Pergine Valsugana, with participants also connected remotely.
On the left Kevin Koper (Wageningen University) and on the right Gianluca Savini, head of the research, experimentation and development department at the Sant'Orsola cooperative
This is an absolute novelty in Italy: a greenhouse covered with specially designed green sheets that blend in with the surrounding landscape and provide shade. An effective solution to combat rising temperatures.
The question remains whether there is a need to construct a new greenhouse to replace the current tunnels. "In light of climate change and the ever-changing demands of the market, it is essential to have a new and appropriate tool that allows us to position ourselves effectively on the market, improve work and production, and increase production yield," explained director Matteo Bortolini, after the initial greeting from President Silvio Bertoldi. "The new greenhouse we are proposing is the result of applied research and provides an immediately useful solution for producers. It is time to renew our greenhouse infrastructures, which, on average, is 30 years old. We have also identified a way to assist members in bearing the financial burden of investing in the new plants," he said.
Michele Plancher, head of the cooperative's administrative and financial area, provided a detailed explanation of the methods for accessing bank credit. This is an advantageous opportunity for members who have vision and want to improve productivity and business profitability, mitigate the effects of climate change and invest in the new greenhouses.
The new greenhouse
In Trentino, the traditional tunnels have been operating under temperatures reaching 43 degrees Celsius, with readings higher in other areas. These conditions have resulted in more strenuous work for the operators and have impacted the wellbeing of beneficial insects introduced for biological control, along with the health of the plants themselves. Since 2022, researchers from the Sant'Orsola Experimental Field and the Dutch University of Wageningen, an international centre of excellence in advanced agriculture, have formed a partnership and conducted trials at the farm of Paolo Pintarelli, a member of the cooperative and a farmer based in Campiello di Levico, in order to test the results of their analyses. The new green experimental greenhouses, which feature a control function, were placed side by side with the traditional white ones in his fields.
The experimental green-roofed greenhouses in Campiello di Levico Terme are situated alongside traditional white greenhouses that serve a control function
The work undertaken by Gianluca Savini (head of research, experimentation and development at Sant'Orsola) and Kevin Koper (Wageningen University and Research) has yielded results which aim to reduce heat in greenhouses and improve the quality and production of strawberries and small fruit.
In particular, the greenhouse design is larger than the existing tunnels in the area. The new greenhouse is 40 metres long, twice the current standard, with a height of just under five metres and a width of seven and a half metres. The considerable size, special anchoring to the ground and dome at the top allow for internal ventilation, which is not possible with the current tunnels. Furthermore, the technology allows for the flexible arrangement and storage of roofing sheets on top of the system.
The use of green sheets as a covering material has been shown to reduce the average annual temperature by 3 °C, which equates to a small but significant reduction. Additionally, the green sheets provide shading that cuts 12 per cent of sunlight inside and 30 per cent of light on the leaves, further enhancing the cooling effect. This equates to a 14% reduction in water usage. Analyses have demonstrated that shading has no impact on fruit quality, taste, production capacity or unused space. Overall, the yield per square metre is likely to increase by up to 20% compared to the current polytunnel setup.
Nicola Leonardi, the head of the cooperative's commercial area, also expressed support for the need for change. He asserted that the new greenhouse will enhance Sant'Orsola's performance on the national market. He emphasised to the members that growth is essential in order to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly challenging market. Furthermore, major international producers of well-known brands are selling their fruit directly on the most important Italian markets, which represents a new challenge that needs to be addressed.
"Sant'Orsola is experiencing significant growth. Since 2000, the company's total turnover has tripled annually, with sales in Trentino Alto Adige also tripling. Our zero-residue products, which are unique in Italy (raspberries and blueberries), have gained significant market share."
Severino Perenzoni, the farm manager, highlighted the capacity to adapt the structure and work organisation to evolving market demands, including in terms of energy efficiency. By the end of 2024, the production of green energy from the installed photovoltaic systems will reach one million kWh, representing 35% of Sant'Orsola's total energy requirements.
For more information:
Sant'Orsola Soc. Coop. Agricola
Via per Trento 11/e
38057 Pergine Valsugana (TN)
Tel.: +39 0461 518111
www.santorsola.com