Potato-growing is feeling the effects of climate change, so Romagnoli has developed environmentally sustainable and innovative growing and irrigation techniques.
A good diet is undoubtedly one of mankind’s primary needs. In fact, leading a healthy lifestyle, especially from a nutritional point of view, is one of the decisive factors for our health and well-being. However, we must not forget that, before arriving on our dinner tables, the food we eat undergoes processing, preservation, transportation and other processes, and each of these processing and transformation phases involves the release of major amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, as well as a significant use of water resources. The agri-food industry therefore has to tackle the consequences of climate change, as it is one of the main actors behind climate variability. This dichotomy requires responsible, far-sighted solutions, made possible by a more sustainable approach to production on a structural level.
For years on a global and European level, discussions have been taking place about the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and to review the structure of food production systems, with the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050. In particular, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the programme of action for people, peace, the planet and prosperity signed in September 2015 by the governments of the 193 UN member countries, water is considered a uniting, often underestimated, element among the various Sustainable Development Goals. Water is a key element for most of the climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, since alterations in hydrological cycles caused by climate change explain possible critical issues in the sustainable management of water resources.
Water is used in potato-growing for washing the product, for cooling systems and for cleaning production environments and plants. For this reason, Romagnoli has a management system and decanting plant for the water used in potato processing. This helps recycle and reuse it directly in the potato washing phases for their preparation and sale. Potato-growing’s exposure to the risks of climate change, such as prolonged periods of drought and the reduced availability of water for irrigation purposes, has led Romagnoli to develop new and more efficient irrigation and growing techniques, shared among producers, with a view to environmental sustainability. In terms of water withdrawals, 63% comes from the water mains, while the remaining 37% comes from aquifers and wells. As for our water withdrawal in areas subject to water stress, Romagnoli uses the Aqueduct Tool developed by the World Resources Institute to identify any areas potentially at risk. In general, as we fully understand the value of water, Romagnoli is therefore committed to adopting a responsible approach regarding the use of water resources at our supplier farms.
Image: Romagnoli F.lli Spa
