Climate change is challenging potato-growing, but we can adapt by using research, technology and sustainable practices

Climate change represents a major challenge for growing potatoes, an essential crop all around the world. Rising temperatures, changes in rainfall and frequent extreme weather events are putting a huge strain on traditional agricultural systems. However, the answer to these challenges lies in scientific research, technological innovation and adopting sustainable farming practices.

Research and innovation to adapt

Scientific research is crucial for adapting potato-growing to new climate conditions. Scientists are developing potato varieties more resistant to heat, drought and diseases through innovation into varieties and selecting the best cultivars. The plague of plant diseases has long been forcing farmers and agricultural consultants to stay on their guard, using various strategies to identify the presence of pathogens threatening their harvests. Traditional ways of detecting diseases rely heavily on human intervention, with visual inspections and laboratory tests serving as the two main tactics used in the battle against crop diseases.

Technology and sustainability in farming

Technological innovation offers priceless tools for improving the efficiency of potato-growing. Smart irrigation systems, soil sensors and crop monitoring drones help farmers to optimise the use of water resources and to identify problems early linked to parasites or diseases. Weather prediction technologies help plan sowing and harvests more accurately, reducing risks linked to climate change.

Sustainable farming practices

The adoption of sustainable farming practices is essential for mitigating the negative effects of climate change. Crop rotation, the use of natural fertilisers and soil conservation improve the health of the land and increase its water holding capacity. While precision agriculture reduces waste and improves crop yields, helping with more sustainable management of natural resources.

Shining examples: èVita Residue-Free and Field Potatoes

Romagnoli F.lli Spa’s èVita Residue-Free potatoes are the result of a long research and innovation process into different varieties. By using varieties that are naturally tolerant to the main plant diseases and by adopting coded farming practices, you can minimise any chemical treatments during growing, using very low-residue chemical molecules. Residue-Free certification, issued by Accredia Check Fruit, was obtained by working together with Legambiente. Potatoes are grown in the best areas of Italy for growing potatoes, developing a benchmark production chain for the sector.

Field Potatoes-Friends of the Environment were created from field experiments run in 2013, together with Legambiente, aimed at trialling low-pressure and high-efficiency irrigation systems for growing potatoes. The extraordinary results achieved led to the creation of the first supply chain of high-quality potatoes, featuring excellent organoleptic qualities and a superior flavour, grown entirely in Italy by farmers committed to environmental sustainability, thanks to the use of water-saving irrigation systems.

Field Potatoes-Friends of the Environment are part of the information and awareness campaign run by Legambiente for High-Quality Italian Agriculture, which has been promoting best practices in the agri-food sector since 2001.

Faced with climate change, potato-growing must tackle major challenges. However, thanks to the synergy between scientific research, technological innovation and sustainable farming practices, we can ease any negative effects and adapt to new conditions.

Image: Romagnoli F.lli