Fri-El from Ostellato (in the province of Ferrara) continues to make the eco-friendly choices that have always characterised it. In fact, the current 30 hectares of greenhouses were born precisely from the need to exploit the heat produced by the biogas plant. Marketing Manager Sandra Gostner speaks about it, also for what concerns the production and commercial side.
Sandra Gostner (ph Pierluigi Benini)
"We have recently taken further significant steps in the field of alternative energies. In 2023 and 2024, we installed a 3 MW photovoltaic system on the roofs of our facilities. Then, at the end of 2024, we added another 2.7 MW photovoltaic plant on the reservoirs. The next big step will be the autumn of 2025, when we will begin installing a 16.8 MW ground-mounted photovoltaic system with PEG technology. This system will not only produce clean energy, but it will also allow us to collect and use rainwater for irrigating the plants in the greenhouses, thereby further optimising our resources. All the systems installed so far are fully operational."
The floating photovoltaic plant (photo by Pierluigi Benini)
In summary, the greenhouses in Ostellato use a mix of alternative energies to maximise efficiency and sustainability. Biogas: With the recovery of thermal energy, greenhouses are partially heated, thus reducing traditional energy requirements.
Roof-mounted photovoltaics: a total of 3 MW of photovoltaic systems are installed on the roofs of the packing and other covered facilities, operational already between 2023 and 2024.
Floating photovoltaics: A 2.7 MW floating photovoltaic plant on the water reservoirs became operational at the end of 2024, thereby optimising space and exploiting existing surfaces.
Ground-mounted photovoltaics (PEG): starting in autumn 2025, "we will begin the installation of a 16.8 MW photovoltaic system on the ground using PEG technology. This system will not only produce a significant amount of clean energy, but will also integrate the collection and reuse of rainwater for irrigation, thereby creating a virtuous cycle of resource management."
On the production front, Sandra Gostner says that "We currently cultivate 30 hectares, with most of our production dedicated to premium tomatoes. A smaller portion is reserved for long and snack cucumbers. We grow premium bunch tomatoes, cocktail tomatoes, miniplum and oblong tomatoes, as well as long Dutch-type cucumbers and snack cucumbers.
"We definitely have different types on the go, from oblong to yellow and red date ones, which are already available in some Italian supermarkets. Together with the tomatoes, we have snack cucumbers, which are in great demand on the domestic market. The number of this small green vegetable is really growing exponentially."
On the market front, it is worth mentioning that "Our main market is Italy, a strategic choice to minimise transport time and ensure the maximum freshness of our products on supermarket shelves. In addition to the domestic market, we also serve the markets in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland."
The marketing manager concludes: "Fri-el Green House has obtained several key certifications that attest to its excellence in various areas. It holds the GlobalG.A.P. certification for sustainable farming practices and food safety, the IFS certification for food safety and quality, the ISO 14001 certification for environmental management, the SPRING certification for its sustainable use of water resources, and the GRASP certification for the social aspects and worker welfare. In addition, the Nickel Free certification guarantees safe products for sensitive people, proof of its strict checks along the entire production chain. In summary, these certifications highlight Fri-el Green House's commitment to quality, social and environmental responsibility, and consumer safety.
For more information
H2ORTO
Via delle Serre 1
44020 Ostellato (Ferrara) - Italy
+39 0533 57411
www.h2orto.it