The Italian farmers saving an ancient fruit with solar power

The revival of the citron of Calabria in southern Italy is a remarkable story of resilience and innovation in the face of climate stress and economic challenges. For many years, this iconic fruit was on the verge of extinction due to extreme weather conditions and the declining economic value associated with its cultivation. However, a unique solution involving the combination of traditional farming practices and renewable energy infrastructure has breathed new life into the citron, offering valuable lessons for other climate-stressed crops around the world.

In Scalea, a town located in southern Italy, I had the privilege of visiting Antonio Lancellotta, a 35-year-old farmer who belongs to a family that has embraced an unorthodox approach to citron cultivation. Lancellotta led me through their expansive 1.8-acre greenhouse, where I witnessed a breathtaking sight: rows upon rows of lush citron trees adorned with white flowers. What made this scene truly extraordinary was the overhead canopy composed of transparent plastic sheets and photovoltaic panels, cleverly integrated into the field. The Lancellotta family was among the pioneers in Italy to experiment with a concept known as "agrivoltaics," which involves growing crops beneath solar panels.

As Lancellotta proudly held up a large, heart-shaped yellow citron, he emphasized the exceptional quality of the fruit. These Liscia Diamante citrons, renowned for their size and flavor, can weigh up to a staggering 11 pounds (5 kilograms) each. For centuries, the favorable climate in this region enabled locals to specialize in cultivating these remarkable fruits, catering to the demands of perfume makers who sought the essential oils derived from the citron's rind. The religious significance of the fruit was also evident, as Jewish priests traveled from distant places to handpick citrons for use in prayer during the week-long festival known as Sukkot. The prosperity brought by the cultivation of citrons earned the area the moniker "Riviera dei Cedri" or "Citrus Coast."

However, the past five decades witnessed a rapid decline in the cultivation of Liscia Diamante citrons, pushing them perilously close to extinction. As Calabrians migrated in search of better opportunities elsewhere, and cheaper industrial alternatives replaced the need for the fruit's essential oils, the economic viability of citron farming dwindled. It became increasingly challenging for those who remained in the region to justify the continued cultivation of citrons.

This is where the innovative concept of agrivoltaics provided a lifeline for the Liscia Diamante citrons. The integration of solar panels into the farming landscape offered a dual benefit – harnessing renewable energy and providing a nurturing environment for the citron trees. The transparent plastic sheets and photovoltaic panels acted as a roof, shielding the delicate citron trees from extreme weather conditions while simultaneously generating clean electricity. This unique approach not only revived the cultivation of citrons but also served as a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of farmers like the Lancellotta family.

The success of agrivoltaics in reviving the citron industry in Calabria holds valuable lessons for other climate-stressed crops worldwide. As our planet grapples with the escalating challenges of climate change, agricultural practices must evolve to ensure the resilience and productivity of essential food and plant species. The integration of renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar panels, into agricultural landscapes presents a promising avenue for achieving sustainable and climate-smart farming.

The benefits of agrivoltaics extend beyond the protection and revival of crops. By leveraging renewable energy sources, farmers can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to the overall transition towards a low-carbon future. This convergence of agriculture and renewable energy not only addresses the immediate challenges faced by farmers but also aligns with global efforts to transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society.

One of the significant advantages of agrivoltaics is its potential to create a more resilient agricultural system. The integration of solar panels above the crops helps moderate temperature fluctuations and reduce water evaporation, providing a more favorable microclimate for plant growth. This controlled environment minimizes the impact of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves or heavy rains, which are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change. By shielding crops from these adverse conditions, agrivoltaics helps ensure a more reliable and consistent yield, reducing the vulnerability of farmers to climate-related risks.

Moreover, the combination of renewable energy generation and crop cultivation presents a mutually beneficial relationship. Solar panels generate electricity, which can be utilized on-site to power the irrigation systems, lighting, and other agricultural operations. Excess energy can be fed back into the grid, contributing to the local renewable energy supply and potentially providing an additional source of income for farmers. This dual-use approach maximizes the utilization of land and resources, optimizing both agricultural productivity and clean energy generation.

The success of agrivoltaics also highlights the importance of diversifying agricultural practices to enhance the resilience of local economies. By reintroducing the cultivation of citrons, the Lancellotta family not only revived a traditional crop but also created new employment opportunities and revitalized the local economy. This diversification strategy reduces dependence on mono-cropping and opens doors for agro-tourism, cultural preservation, and the development of niche markets. The revival of the citron industry in Calabria serves as a model for sustainable rural development, where heritage crops are valued, and traditional knowledge is preserved and shared across generations.

As agrivoltaics gains recognition and adoption worldwide, it is crucial to assess its potential for scaling up and replicating in different contexts. Each region faces unique challenges and opportunities related to climate, agricultural practices, and energy requirements. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is necessary, taking into account local conditions, stakeholder engagement, and policy support. Governments, research institutions, and agricultural communities must collaborate to develop tailored strategies and guidelines for the successful implementation of agrivoltaics in diverse agricultural landscapes.

In addition, ongoing research and technological advancements will further refine the agrivoltaics concept, enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness. For example, optimizing the spacing between solar panels to allow sufficient sunlight for crop growth, selecting appropriate crop varieties that thrive in shaded environments, and implementing smart irrigation systems that minimize water usage are areas that require continuous innovation and improvement. Furthermore, the use of advanced monitoring and data analytics can provide valuable insights into crop performance, energy generation, and overall system optimization, enabling farmers to make informed decisions and maximize productivity.

Beyond the immediate benefits to farmers and local communities, agrivoltaics contributes to broader sustainability goals. By promoting renewable energy generation and sustainable agriculture, it aligns with global efforts to combat climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and achieve the targets set forth in the Paris Agreement. The combination of clean energy and resilient food production exemplifies a holistic approach to addressing the interconnected challenges of food security, energy transition, and environmental conservation.