Left to right: Mario Modica and his son Salvatore.
It is a medium-small company that contributes to the wealth of a territory famous for its productions.
Left to right: Salvatore Adamo, Salvatore Modica.
Greenhouses cover 2.5 Ha of 3.6 Ha in total and the company also has a small lake providing water with multiple fish (photo below) which help maintain biodiversity.
"We decided to implement organic cultivation techniques right from the start. We were among the first and did encounter a few difficulties in the beginning," explains Salvatore Modica.
The soil is maintained fertile with humid organic matter and a correct exposure to sunlight. Plants are chosen according to their genetic resistances and only rootstocks suitable for company needs are chosen.
Nutrition is important, as plants in excellent nutritional state can withstand adversities better. Another important element are natural antagonists.
Above: a bumblebee at work
"We are lucky because we work with a professional and, combined with my father's experience, his advice was crucial."
"Nature is an ecosystem that follows its own rhythm, while greenhouses are complex systems that break the natural balance. This means we must make agronomic choices to restore it," explains Salvatore Adamo, the professional who advises the company.
Above: a bumblebee at work
"We are lucky because we work with a professional and, combined with my father's experience, his advice was crucial."
"Nature is an ecosystem that follows its own rhythm, while greenhouses are complex systems that break the natural balance. This means we must make agronomic choices to restore it," explains Salvatore Adamo, the professional who advises the company.
"For example, when it comes to peppers, we use Amblyseius californicus to counter red spider mite, Orius Levigatus against thrips and Aphidius Colemani against aphids."
The photo below shows how antagonist insects restored the balance of the crop.The top of the plant is in fact fully recovering.
The photo below shows how antagonist insects restored the balance of the crop.The top of the plant is in fact fully recovering.
Choices and decisions are made day after day considering crop and technical information. Technicians must provide indications on how to solve problems as soon as possible, often even without scientific support but relying only on their own experience.
Production chart
The varieties cultivated are:
Tomatoes
- Date (Cikito), 44 tons;
- Coloured, 27 tons: Summersun (yellow cherry), Santorange (yellow-orange date), Mini Sanmarzano, Sissy (brown) and Zebrino (dark green streaked);
Bunch tomatoes, 30 tons;
Peppers, 24 tons;
Cucumbers, 45 tons.
30% of the produce is destined to Italy, while the remaining 70% goes to Europe, Germany and France in particular.
Contacts:
Azienda Agricola Modica Mario
Sede legale:
Viale della Resistenza, 84
97013 Comiso (Rg)
Sede operativa:
C.da Piano Savia
97019 Vittoria (Rg) - Italia
Tel.: (+39) 3334161078
Email: salvatore.modica22@tin.it