agribusinessreview.comJULY 202419preparing the infrastructure, and planting the trees); long-term contracts guaranteeing direct purchase based on existing market prices upon moment of purchase.BMS MicroNutrients' EcoMethod in 2019 was one important achievement towards making Loacker's Italian Hazelnut Orchards program sustainable. The Belgian company is a leader in foliar fertilisation for crops and cultures, and it measured Loacker has reduced CO2 emissions by 91.34 percent in Corte Migliorina e Collelungo compared to traditional fertilisation method following the official crop protocol (Disciplinare di Produzione Integrata Emilia Romagna - Lazio). By using foliar fertilisation, it can avoid using traditional fertilisers and their resulting dispersal in groundwater. Since then, Loacker has met its goal of reducing emissions year on year, by supplementing these methods with fertigation methods that reduce the use of tractors in the fields.The estates are also working on reaching energy independence through photovoltaic systems (50 kWp at Corte Migliorina and 75 kWp at Collelungo Estate) and saving water by, for example, employing subsurface drip irrigation systems. Water management is computerised and involves sector-by-sector water distribution according to demand. Moisture sensors installed in the field enable constant monitoring of soil moisture content to avoid waste.In addition, the wafer specialist has built storage basins to collect water throughout the year, using groundwater as little as possible. Through this system, 4,000-5,000 cubic meters of water are collected in small storage basins throughout the year. In winter, the water is pumped into a larger storage basin by a photovoltaic system and then used to feed plants with drip irrigation.Loacker favours the use of natural techniques. It avoids chemical herbicides to maintain the soil's health. For example, the Bonifiche Ferraresi estate, Loacker's partner in hazelnut cultivation, in Cortona stands out because the trees were planted far apart from each other. The `empty' space is used to grow lucerne and clover: they anchor nitrogen into the ground, thus providing a natural system to feed the soil with nutrients. Moreover, the buds are left on the ground and they are turned into mulch to improve the soil and increase the amount of superficial organic carbon.Specific Environmental Considerations in AgricultureIn the European Union, an increasing number of chemical active substances are being removed from the list of usable plant protection products. We are attempting, wherever possible, to substitute these substances through biostimulants for plant strengthening and stronger prevention. More practical research in the field of biostimulants is necessary to find effective substances for respective crops, cultivation areas, and growing conditions.Advice to Professionals Working In Other Companies Regarding Essential Practices to Minimise Environmental Impact and Carbon EmissionsTo achieve good results in terms of sustainable farming practices, it is essential to have control over the entire supply chain as much as possible. We work very closely with our producers, and for our strategic raw materials, our experts develop agronomic protocols that must be adhered to by the producers. Additionally, producers are visited and trained periodically to achieve the best possible outcome and to monitor sustainable farming practices. To achieve good results in terms of sustainable farming practices, it is essential to have control over the entire supply chain as much as possible
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