Ilenia Nordera

Bionorde

Hi, I'm Ilenia Nordera and I grow organic kiwi's, pumpkins, pears and apples in the north of Italy, together with my group Bionorde. Bionorde represents a number of organic fruit and vegetable growers located in the Verona area here in Italy. The idea behind Bionorde is basically a “union of powers” meaning that by working together we are in a better position to meet the needs of the modern consumers.

Hi,I'm Ilenia Nordera and I grow organic kiwi's, pumpkins, pears and apples in the north of Italy, together with my group Bionorde. Bionorde represents a number of organic fruit and vegetable growers located in the Verona area here in Italy. The idea behind Bionorde is basically a “union of powers” meaning that by working together we are in a better position to meet the needs of the modern consumers.

In the year 2000, together with my dad Flavio, brother Daniele and my aunt Franca, we set up our own organic farm. Today the farm covers over 15 hectares and is split into 4 allotments. 2 allotments are used as a nursery for young plants and trees and on the remaining land we grow different varieties of organic apples and pears as well as peaches, kiwis and pumpkins.

Our farm also has a special warehouse where we select, clean, process, pack, cool and store these wonderful products.

In 2003, together with my dad Flavio and my cousin Chiara we started Bionorde. The company basically trades in high quality organic fruit and vegetables grown in the Verona region. The idea behind Bionorde is basically a “union of powers” meaning that by working together we are not only more efficient but just as important we are in a better position to meet the needs of the modern organic consumer.

N&M: What is the idea behind Bionorde ?

Ilenia: Bionorde has numerous goals. First and foremost we want to promote and develop new, interesting and heirloom varieties of organic apples, pears, kiwis, peaches and pumpkins. One of our success stories has been the introduction to Italy of the well known Royal gala, Tenroy, Delbarestival, Delcorf, Festival, Delorgoue apple varieties.

Why the fascination for such special varieties ?

Flavio: For most of my working life, I have been involved in the field of fruit and plant nurseries, experimenting with new, more disease resistant varieties. The combination of my experience, passion for organic agriculture and the fact that consumers are looking for new tasty alternatives to the standard apple or pear is the reason why we have gone down this path.

N&M in what other way do you collaborate with other local organic growers ?

Flavio: To be honest I see these growers more as friends and we help each other out with technical assistance and advice regarding planting, harvesting and keeping the plants and the trees healthy. Our aim is to support local organic agriculture here in Verona and to learn from each other and share this important knowledge. Furthermore, we also make sure that the certifications are up to date and fully in order.

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soil

Healthy soil is essential for fruit growing. Unfortunately, this important resource is also one of the most neglected sources. Organic growers worldwide will agree that a healthy soil is essential for life on Earth. Soil feeds plants, which in turn provide food and oxygen for humans and animals. Organic growers do everything to maintain a good condition of the soil. The soil needs to be looked after and nurtured and this is can be achieved by applying nutrient rich compost. When you visit our orchards, you will notice that the ground is covered by lush grass. This not only reduces soil erosion and helps to counter water evaporation but also restores the natural organic balance.

biodiversity

One of the most positive side effects of organic agriculture is that it encourages and stimulates bio diversity. Many Nature & More growers are proud of the diverse range of birds, mammals and plants that can be found on their land and see it as a clear sign as to how “healthy” their operation is. Bionorde growers for example have planted hedges and shrubs to recreate a natural environment for small mammals, insects and birds. The birds and insects also help maintain a natural balance in the ecosystem of the orchards. By using compost, selectively mowing grasses around the trees and ensuring a vibrant biodiversity the growers aim to keep the trees as strong as possible.

individual

Did you know that apples are in the "dirty dozen" of products with most pesticide residues? Organic can really make a difference there. Every year 20.000 to 340.000 farmworkers die of pesticide poisoning and 1 to 5 million farmworkers get sick from it. In organic cultivation no chemical-synthetic pesticides are used and significantly less pesticide residues are found on organic products in the store. Research indicates (Fantke & Jolliet, 2016) that this also has a health effect for consumers. In short, we can say with confidence that organic fruits and vegetables, on the average, are healthier. And that also goes for our apples!

society

Individual development leads to a feeling of freedom, which is the basis for all progress. One of the key indicators for freedom is to train and motivate employees. We not only train our employees when they join us but ensure this training is updated on a regular basis. Since 2006 we are adopting the international Global Gap Standards which are based on core principles of: food safety, environmental protection, health and safety at work, worker welfare, towards an idea of a more sustainable world. Obviously we fully respect and adhere in Italian & European law regarding all aspects such as fair wages, health and safety, medical care, maternity allowance and special allowance for unemployment. In Bionorde safety for the workers both in the orchard as well as at the warehouse is of utmost importance.

climate

To save energy and reduce C02 emissions Bionorde minimizes the mechanical work in orchards. The drip irrigation worka with electrical “zero emission” motors. Furthermore when we harvest, we use battery powered carts to avoid diesel pollution. Ilenia, Falvio and thier collegues take measures to reduce the use of fossil fuel, specifically diesel (see Energy). In this way they reduce their climate impact. The other methods that Bionorde uses, such as composting, green cover on the orchard floor also help increase carbon sequestration.

water

Water is a resource of primary importance which is unevenly distributed on the planet. It is therefore essential to treat this valuable resource carefully. For this reason Bionorde and other growers have adopted drip irrigation. This system administers the water to the plant depositing it on surface of the soil adjacent to the plant or directly on the root zone. It allows you to reduce the quantity therefore avoiding wasting water. Moreover the Bionorde growers have buffer zones along the waterways. These are portions of land adjacent to waterways where plants and shrubs have been planted to enhance and protect the aquatic environment from the impact caused by agriculture activities.

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