The equilibrium of entire ecosystems depends on biodiversity, but how can biodiversity be safeguarded? Residue-Free agriculture can make an important contribution.

According to the ‘Red List of Ecosystems in Italy’ (based on the criteria established by the IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature), 16% of Italy features 29 ecosystems with 16 at-risk biodiversities, mainly located around coastal areas and on plains affected by intensive agricultural and livestock farming*. If the biodiversity balance depends on the impact of food systems on the environment, the opposite is also true, that is, the balance of food systems depends on biodiversity. Simply consider the fundamental role played by pollinating insects in the reproduction cycle of flowering plants. Therefore, in light of this, an innovative approach aimed at making the agri-food production system more sustainable is increasingly important. In the potato sector, the creation of the ‘Residue-Free’ cultivation protocol (thanks to trials carried out by Romagnoli F.lli in collaboration with Legambiente and Tuscia University), has allowed the development of potato varieties resistant to the main plant diseases and that require the use of considerably fewer pesticides, such as Alouette (red skin), Levante and Twister (yellow skin), are among some of the best performers. This has given rise to innovative production techniques with pesticide residues below 0.01 ppm (the value of analytical detection), and for which Romagnoli F.lli was granted the Emilia-Romagna Region 2020 Responsible Innovators Award. Therefore, the Residue-Free protocol is a tangible response to the need for sustainable crops that respect the requirements of the ecosystem and food safety, provide high yields that safeguard farms and, last but not least, feature excellent organoleptic properties that meet consumer demands. The protocol must be accompanied by responsible production techniques along the entire supply chain (such as the ones used in our fields), from water to energy efficiency, for completely sustainable and integrated agriculture.

*Source: https://www.legambiente.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/rapporto-Biodiversita-2021.pdf

Image: Canva