Busa Agriculture Growth Urged by Research Institution, Expert Says

The Mediterranean climate of Busa is an endless asset that has contributed to the development of tourism, but has never been fully exploited for equally prosperous agricultural growth. This is the conviction of Renato Rampanelli, director of Enaip in Mogno, who arrived at this conclusion based on his experience with horticultural-floricultural courses at Bruttagosto.

The Need for a Research Institution

As an expert, he believes that the area urgently needs an institution, modeled after the agricultural institute of S. Michele all’Adige, which studies the situation and then indicates the most profitable crops that are well suited to our environment. “Proposing to invest in research for the specialization of local crops is certainly not a groundbreaking idea,” states the school director, who notes that his idea is strongly supported by the recent socio-economic plan of the municipality drafted by Professor Broglio.

Economic Potential and Current Situation

“I have simply observed, through the horticultural-floricultural courses, that if our flower and vegetable crops had a commercial purpose instead of an educational one, the profits would be substantial. In Busa, there is room for numerous companies. The problem is that everyone has always talked about it, but no one takes action. So, agriculture remains stagnant and fails to realize all its potential,” he explains.

What about viticulture? It sustains itself thanks to strict regulations imposed by a winery that absorbs most of the local production. Private farmers need incentives, and these can be provided by the public institution. The S. Michele agricultural institute has been performing this role for apples in the Non Valley and Valsugana regions for some time now.

Initiatives and Future Prospects

I have repeatedly urged the school administrators and provincial sector officials to take action. I have showcased the results achieved by our company at Bruttagosto and neighboring facilities, both under the jurisdiction of the Province, which also operates a weather station. However, I have received no responses: my authoritative interlocutors have gone no further than vague promises, which means nothing will come of it.

There is also Esat, which currently provides valuable technical assistance. But above all, a political decision is needed. Meanwhile, the local agriculture remains in decline.