Agrivoltaics and Blueberries: The Agrion Test
The Agrion Foundation, a research institute based in Piedmont, presented at Macfrut 2025 the results of a two-year agrivoltaic experiment on potted blueberries, variety Brigitta Blue, at its facility in Manta (Cuneo). The system features photovoltaic panels with variable light transmission and side barriers in plexiglass. The goal is to integrate berry cultivation with energy production, offering farmers an additional potential source of income.
Agronomic, phytosanitary, and climatic parameters were analyzed: pathogen development (e.g., Drosophila suzukii), phenological stages, yields, and microclimate effects. Dynamic shading reduced maximum temperatures and slightly increased minimum ones, indicating a potential protective effect against heat stress and spring frosts.
In 2023, the yield under the panels was lower than the control plot, but in 2024, thanks to a more favorable spring, it was higher.
Video interview with Cristiano Carli conducted by Barbara Righini for AgroNotizie:
Click here to download the full presentation by Cristiano Carli with all the data from the trial.
Beware of These Mistakes if You Want to Grow Blueberries
Marco Butera, an agronomist specialized in berries and founder of Better Berries, shared at Macfrut 2025 his insights on the most common mistakes seen in blueberry plantations worldwide. He emphasized the importance of starting from a thorough analysis: evaluating future blueberry quality standards, market trends, competitors, and conducting a SWOT analysis.
A plantation started today must remain productive until 2040, so it is essential to anticipate climate change: temperatures will rise, chill hours will decrease (especially in high chill zones), and water stress will increase. Varieties like Duke, which require many chill hours, may become unsuitable in several areas.
Butera also highlighted the growing issue of water quality, often too saline or rich in bicarbonates, and the increasing need for reverse osmosis systems, which are effective but costly.
Finally, he outlined some practical mistakes to avoid: poor drainage and waterlogging, wrong pot choices, excessive planting density, and overuse of shading screens that alter growth and flowering.
Video interview with Marco Butera conducted by Barbara Righini for AgroNotizie:
Click here to download the full presentation by Marco Butera
Blueberries and Berries: The Numbers Behind Italy’s Success
At the Berry Area of Macfrut 2025, CSO Italy was tasked with updating and presenting the sector's latest data. The service center also launched for the first time the three-year project "Berry Swing", aimed at promoting berry consumption in Italy and Germany, especially among young people.
Looking at production areas, CSO Italy’s snapshot shows 2,509 hectares cultivated in Italy (-1% vs. 2023). Piedmont remains the undisputed leader with 780 hectares, but cultivation has also expanded in the South (250 hectares across Sicily, Campania, and Calabria). An estimated 1,608 hectares of blueberries are expected in 2024 (+1% vs. 2023 and +32% vs. 2019).
The video interview with Tomas Bosi and Daria Lodi (CSO Italy) conducted by Barbara Righini for AgroNotizie:
Click here to download the full presentation by Tomas Bosi (CSO)
Berry AreaThis article is part of the series dedicated to our new project developed in collaboration with Macfrut 2025. This series supports the event taking place from May 6–8, 2025 (Rimini Expo Centre), where the Berry Area serves as a reference point for all those seeking innovative solutions for the cultivation and marketing of strawberries and berries. 👉 Learn more at this link |
Cover image by Andrew Wilson from Pixabay
