Cristiano Lorenzini of OP Lorenzini Naturamica of Mantua, confirmed that the solutions provided by Arrigoni were indeed effective. (Image Source: Arrigoni)

New field tests conducted on the land of Italian industry leaders OP Lorenzini Naturamica of Mantua and Azienda Agricola Malavasi provided abundant confirmation of the efficacy of use of Arrigoni Lirsa brand agrofilms in controlling temperature, increasing plants’ yields, reducing water use and ensuring earlier ripening of the crop

Arrigoni, a constant investor in research and development, will be presenting this and other innovative solutions for protecting melons and all greenhouse fruit and vegetable crops at the upcoming GreenTech in Amsterdam, the key international show for the entire production chain, to be held from 11-13 June 2024. 

Examples of two agrofilms include Lirsalux and TraTec, that come with very high thermal insulation properties, mainly used to deliver earlier cropping and mitigate low winter temperatures, reducing frost damage. These products are particularly effective for the cold-weather protection of crops like melon and watermelon. Other products particularly well suited to crops like melon include Prisma and Robuxta. 

For late summer crops, the use of Sanalux low tunnel film is ideal, because it cuts off NIR (Near InfraRed) radiation, keeping the temperature in the tunnel significantly lower. This characteristic helps to create a healthier environment where plants can grow and prosper in June and July, the hottest months.

Last but not least, Arrigoni has a rich assortment of mulching films, also under the Lirsa brand, such as the Thermoplast range films developed for greenhouse or orchard applications and have significant effects on plant growth, increasing crop size and quality.

Cristiano Lorenzini of OP Lorenzini Naturamica of Mantua, in its specific case used the Lirsalux, Sanalux and TraTec films. He confirmed that the solutions provided by Arrigoni were indeed effective. 

“Melon growers like us can face two conflicting needs: plants transplanted early can require more heat to protect them from possible late frosts and bring production forward significantly. At the same time, plants transplanted late can still need a good level of heat but it’s also important to prevent scorching on the hottest days,” said  Lorenzini. “By using Arrigoni Lirsa brand agrofilms, we were able to achieve these aims easily, hugely reducing plant stress levels. We found plants’ output was much more uniform, with higher product degrees Brix and an overall improvement in fruit quality over a very long crop cycle,” he concluded.  

To meet Arrigoni at GreenTech, visit: stand 345 in hall 01. 

For more information, visit: http://www.arrigoni.it/  

Products exhibited at the event provide solutions to important economic, climatic, societal and environmental issues. (Image source: SPACE)

The next SPACE Expo, will take place from 17-19 September 2024 at the Rennes Exhibition Centre, in France

Located in Western France, Europe's largest livestock-producing region, SPACE (Salon de la Production Agricole - Carrefour Européen) has been strongly associated with Europe since its creation in 1987. The vision of its founders was and still remains to make SPACE the key event for all sectors.

Around 1,200 exhibitors and 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the event, this year. Products exhibited at the event provide solutions to important economic, climatic, societal and environmental issues. With a continued focus on new generations, their products and interactions with working farmers, the event has been rightfully recognised as being a symbol of a positive, ambitious and dynamic outlook: Empowering Generations: Let’s invent the Future. 

Their full and varied conference programme will cover a range of topics, making SPACE a unique meeting place for the animal farming industry. Aiming to promote the dynamic and diverse dairy industry in Western France, SPACE is also launching its new web series called ‘Milky Quest: Rendez-vous en Terres de Lait’. 

Moreover, featuring a simplified interface for smoother navigation, SPACE has recently upgraded its website. For more information about the event, visit: www.space.fr

Highly hazardous pesticides are a development and human right issue that calls for global action. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) joined hands with the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KEMI) to support Zimbabwe and Zambia to reduce risks of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) through a peer learning & exchange workshop between pesticide regulators from Zambia and Zimbabwe, that was held in Harare from 8-9 May this year

Around 14 pesticide regulators attended the workshop. As part of the workshop the delegates compared lists of identified HHPs, shared experiences of pesticide risk and needs assessment for HHPs and jointly identified viable alternatives. The engagement culminated in the development of draft risk mitigation plans, and information exchange on the status of HHP identification and needs assessment in Zambia and Zimbabwe. The pesticide regulators also compared the status and gaps in their respective pesticide regulatory frameworks.

To limit the impacts of HHPs on human health and the environment, FAO and WHO developed the ‘International Guidelines on Highly Hazardous Pesticides to provide Governments and other stakeholders with stepwise guidance on HHP risk reduction.’

According to FAO Agricultural Officer, Ivy Saunyama, the HHP Guidelines recommend a clear step wise approach for HHP risk reduction, which Zambia and Zimbabwe have both followed. 

The regulators from both countries highlighted that it was possible to increase agricultural productivity with limited use of HHPs by promotion alternatives, with emphasis on the use of less hazardous alternatives, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices that preserve ecosystem, product management measures to enhance proper use and risk reduction, like training farmers in proper use, ensuring availability and use of PPE, precautionary label statements.

“Feeding the two nations without the use of highly hazardous pesticides is possible if we work together,” said Daisy Ndlovu, environmental health officer at National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), Zimbabwe. “It is good that the governments of Zimbabwe and Zambia have already started working together to phase out HHPs.”

GrapeHarvest SA and SunRaisins Ltd. have played a pivotal role in this resurgence, focusing on quality, sustainability, and consumer engagement. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

In 2024, South African raisin producers have indeed made an impressive recovery, achieving a total crop size of 95,000 tonnes, marking a significant improvement from the challenges faced in the previous years 

Companies like GrapeHarvest SA and SunRaisins Ltd. have played a pivotal role in this resurgence, focusing on quality, sustainability, and consumer engagement.

The combination of optimal climate conditions, including well-distributed rainfall and ample sunlight, has resulted in some of the best quality and most diverse variety of raisins yet. This achievement not only reflects the resilience of South African raisin producers but also highlights the potential for future growth in the dried fruit category.

The upcoming PR campaign in the UK, led by GrapeHarvest SA and SunRaisins Ltd., demonstrates a strategic shift towards targeting both trade and consumer audiences. By organising activities such as trips for key buyers and trade journalists to the Orange River region, retailer roadshows, and continued media placements, they aim to showcase the excellence of South African raisin production and engage with both industry stakeholders and consumers.

Furthermore, the commitment of GrapeHarvest SA and SunRaisins Ltd. to responsible business practices, including human rights, environmental protection, social responsibility, and product traceability, adds a layer of trust and credibility to their offerings. Customers can be assured of not only excellent-quality raisins bursting with flavor but also products that align with their values and health-conscious lifestyles.

Ferdie Botha, CEO of Raisins SA, said, “Customers can look forward to excellent-quality South African raisins this year. They are bursting with flavour and natural goodness, and as they are packed full of nutrients such as fibre, iron, calcium and antioxidants, they are perfect for New Year health diets. We are excited to work closely with customers and bring new consumers into the category.”