The first Sicilian Demo Farm, the result of collaboration between Ferrero and its Ferrero Hazelnut Company division, and Korilsud srl, has just been inaugurated. It is a prototype of a hazelnut grove that will be used as a flywheel for the implementation of the best agronomic, social and environmental practices. The ultimate goal is to support the revitalisation process of hazelnut cultivation in Sicily through the adoption of modern, sustainable production and quality protection practices.
Above, from left: Riccardo Ricciardello - Korilsud srl, Antonino Iuculano - Head of the Agricultural Inspectorate of Messina, Salvatore Messina - President of the Order of Agronomists and Foresters of the Province of Messina.
The agricultural company Korilsud srl is at the head of the 'Sicilia in Guscio' network of companies, which was founded in 2020 with the aim of promoting the Sicilian hazelnut culture and implementing the Ferrero Hazelnut Italy project in the region. The Sicilia in Guscio Producers' Organisation was born out of this association in 2023 and is the only recognised producer organisation for hazelnuts in Sicily. The PO brings together 25 companies and manages around 450 hectares of hazelnut groves, some of which are cultivated using organic methods and others using integrated methods.
Francesco Adduci - Agribusiness Distribution Southern Italy (Ferrero Hazelnut Company)
Sicily boasts an annual production of around 9,000 tons of hazelnuts grown on 11,800 hectares, mainly concentrated in the provinces of Messina and Catania. The national production of hazelnuts is 110,000 tons, grown on 85,000 hectares. It is one of the most important hazelnut-growing regions in Italy, accounting for 7.8% of production.
The hazelnut market: competitiveness and promotion of the Sicilian product
Sicilian hazelnuts have excellent organoleptic qualities, with an intense aroma, balanced flavour and crunchy texture. In addition, the traceability of the supply chain and the attention paid to environmental sustainability are other elements of value that contribute to their competitiveness on the domestic and foreign markets. Italy imports hazelnuts mainly from Turkey, the world's largest producer. Other imports originate from countries such as Azerbaijan, Georgia and Chile.
A moment during the inauguration of the Demo Farm
Sicilian hazelnut groves, like those in other regions, have had to face several challenges in recent years. These include the ageing of plantations, which has led to a reduction in productivity and increased exposure to diseases; the spread of fungal diseases such as 'blight' and 'cortical necrosis', which have caused significant damage to the plants; and extreme weather events such as drought and late frosts, which have reduced yields.
The Sicilian Demo Farm project is based on three main pillars:
- Regeneration: to improve soil fertility and production quality, existing hazelnut orchards, which are often outdated and not very productive, will be regenerated using innovative techniques with low environmental impact.
- Sustainability: environmental sustainability is at the heart of this project. Biodiversity will be promoted and precision farming techniques will be used to optimise the use of inputs.
- Training: the demonstration farm is also a state-of-the-art training centre. Farmers, the local community and other stakeholders will take part in theoretical and practical courses on the most innovative and sustainable techniques for hazelnut cultivation, harvesting and post-harvest management.
The importance of this collaboration is underlined by Riccardo Ricciardello, Project Manager at Korilsud srl: "The Demo Farm is a unique opportunity to demonstrate that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand in the nut sector. Thanks to Ferrero's experience and know-how, we will be able to test new solutions and technologies to improve the quality and yield of our hazelnuts, while at the same time respecting the environment and revitalising the territory."
For more information: 
Riccardo Ricciardello
Agricultural Society Korilsud Srl
Tel: +39 380 7907808
Email: [email protected]