INNOVATIVE CROP PROTECTION TECHNIQUES FOR AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIAL BASIL SUPPLY CHAIN
PESTO is a project funded by the Emilia-Romagna Region under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, measure 16.1.01 "Operational Groups of the European Innovation Partnership for agricultural productivity and sustainability", Focus Area 3A. The Operational Group of this two-year project is made up of Azienda Agraria Sperimentale Stuard (lead partner), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza campus (Scientific Manager), Open Fields, Azienda Agricola La Felina, Az. Agricola Ca' D'Alfieri, Agricola Agriturismo Battistoni Società Semplice, Agriform and Barilla G. e R. Fratelli.
The project aims to launch a pilot technology-transfer initiative to define an integrated protocol for the adoption of innovative products and technologies to protect basil against downy mildew. Alongside tolerant varieties and organic and chemical products, it also involves the use of activated oxygen (ozone) dissolved in water, both for control in the field and in the greenhouse and to sanitise the sites and equipment used for the crop.
Expected results:
• Greater involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises working at various levels of the basil supply chain, including organic farms located in inner areas with development difficulties;
• Development of innovative operational protocols along the supply chain and transfer of innovation through training and advisory activities, with benefits for the quality of the harvest and the safety of operators, and qualitative and quantitative benefits for every segment of the chain.
• Environmental sustainability: the use of an integrated approach, with organic crop protection products and the use of ozone, ensures a reduction in — or the absence of — releases of synthetic chemicals into the environment.
• Technological and sensory quality of the product: applying innovative supply-chain protocols should ensure a significant reduction in the load of saprophytes and potential fungal and bacterial pathogens normally present on the phyllosphere.
• Benefits for large-scale retail: greater sustainability in production will make the harvest easier to place within the distribution process.
• A guarantee of better returns for growers.
• Availability of a prototype sprayer for the distribution of ozonated water.
WEBSITE: www.gopesto.it
COORDINATOR: Roberto Reggiani, Azienda Agraria Sperimentale Stuard
TECHNICAL AND SCIENTIFIC MANAGER: Prof. Paola Battilani, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza campus
DURATION: 03/2021 – 03/2023
TOTAL COST OF THE PLAN: € 275,180.62
TOTAL CONTRIBUTION: € 203,863.93
European Commission website – EAFRD: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=LEGISSUM:l60032