Italy: Many reasons to use greenhouses

"2017 was a good year for our company as the Italian agricultural sector continues to do well. In the first few months of 2018, we have even seen an increase in requests for quotes, partly due to the deadline of Psr tenders. What is more, the younger generations are now starting to choose the agricultural sector, which bodes well for the future," explains Maria Cipro, manager at CO.SER., a company specialising in the manufacturing of greenhouses.

"The main problems in 2017 were market instability and the weather. Producers have to deal with unfair competitive markets. The new generation of growers will have to find a way to gain more power thanks to the internet, technologies and associations."

As regards climate change, Cipro explains that one of the main reasons why people use greenhouses is precisely to avoid the negative consequences of adverse weather events. "Just think about the fact that, last month, it snowed in Caserta. Different greenhouses are used depending on the type of protection wanted, type of crop and local climate conditions."

Of course the most complex solutions are more expensive and are used by the most profitable sectors, while simpler greenhouses are suitable for plants that could even be cultivated outside. But there are many reasons why growers opt for greenhouse cultivation.

"Greenhouses lead to more market opportunities, better yields, higher quality standards, possibility to use modern techniques such as soil-less cultivation and an improved use of water. As greenhouse producers, the main difficulties are connected with extreme events such as heavy snowstorms or strong winds. We usually suggest enhancements such as reinforcements above and below arches, less distance between arches and different poles depending on the height to be achieved."

"However, we must stress that, in case of a tornado such as the one that hit Terracina (LT) in November 2017, there is no structure that can protect crops. Luckily, such events are still very rare. Some are considering getting their greenhouses and crops insured, but it's still too expensive."

Macfrut, an unmissable event
CO.SER will attend Macfrut (Rimini, 9th-11th May, Hall D7 – Stand 111) this year as well. "It's the most important fair in Italy and it cannot be missed. All the leading operators will attend as well as leading Italian and international companies."

Maria Cipro (manager), Giacomo Di Girolamo (production manager) and Fabio Monfreda (trade manager) will welcome guests.

Contacts:
Maria Cipro - manager
CO.SER. srl
Via Valle Annunziata, 77
81050 Francolise (CE)
Tel.: +39 (0)823 884180
Email: coser@libero.it
Web: www.coseritalia.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/costruzioni.serre