"I started working here in May 2017 and, at the end of last year, the owner Florian Gostner asked me if I wanted to become a grower", Giulia explains. This way December 21st, the day that the 35 thousand tomato plants were transplanted, became her first day as a grower in the hydroponic greenhouse.
Giulia Bozzoli at the centre holding the crate of tomatoes. Behind her, left to right: Beatrice Di Corrado, Elisabeta Gruia Ana, Barbara Vincenzi
Two years ago
The greenhouse was set up almost two years ago and is entirely dedicated to TOVs. Around ten people work on 15 thousand square metres. The greenhouse is owned by Fri-El Green Power, the same company that set up a similar 12-hectare greenhouse in Ferrara.
Retail programmes
"We started harvesting tomatoes 15 days ago and will continue until November, when we will uproot the plants for a new cycle", Giulia continues. "The programmes with various retail chains are going well. Around 65% of the produce is currently exported abroad, mainly to Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Great Britain," adds sales manager Alessio Orlandi.
Biomass plant
The greenhouses uses the heat released by a nearby biomass plant, that was built by Fri-El as well.
Rock wool is used as a substrate and most agronomic operations are computerised: from mixing to fertigation and their timing as well as the opening of skylights, heating and ventilation. Sensors detect both internal and external conditions. The water used for fertigation is recycled with a closed cycle system.
Contacts:
Fri-El Greenhouse
Alessio Orlandi - sales manager
Email: alessio.orlandi@freshguru.it
Web: www.fri-el.it