Abiomed: agriculture

Abiomed is a Sicilian agricultural cooperative producing high-quality fruits and vegetables while supporting independent farmers. With a network of over 300 producers, the company ensures sustainable farming despite the challenges of unpredictable weather. Backed by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti and the EIF through the COSME programme, Abiomed secured financing to strengthen its operations and invest in the future of local agriculture.

“In our fields, in the warm Sicilian climate we produce all sorts of fruits and vegetables. From artichokes to carrots, peppers, zucchini, aubergines… but the top product is our cherry tomato,” says Luciano Caruso, Director at Abiomed, “We sell them fresh, sun-dried as tradition dictates, or even as a sauce.”

Supporting independent agriculturalists

Luciano Caruso employs a dozen people to run Abiomed, an association of agricultural producers with 25-30 permanent agricultural workers. Founded in 2001 by 10 producers, it has grown to a network of 315 associated producers covering 7 provinces of Sicily. Today Abiomed has over 2300 hectares of land under cultivation in greenhouses and open fields.

For independent agriculturalists, accessing funding for their business can be challenging. Small agricultural businesses typically lack collateral or the necessary financial clout to secure and repay big bank loans.

We face high risks every day, and a big part of our activity depends on weather conditions: an unexpected hailstorm can ruin the harvest, wasting months of work. ”

- Luciano Caruso, Director at Abiomed

Financing for rainy days

With the help of an EU-guaranteed loan through Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, backed by the EIF, Abiomed was able to help their producers to avoid personal guarantees. “Our field of work is sometimes quite unpredictable. We face high risks every day, and a big part of our activity depends on weather conditions, so an unexpected hailstorm can ruin the harvest, wasting months of work. So any kind of support is always a welcome development. It can take some pressure off our shoulders,” explains Luciano “The process was very smooth, and within 2 months the business had their financing,” explains Luciano, “We were able to boost our stocks, buying fertilizer and packaging and various raw materials.”

Training starts at the table

Looking ahead, Abiomed will look into making productive investments to keep growing their business. “Good, locally-sourced food is itself a great investment in future generations,” Luciano adds, as he explains how the company has teamed up with local schools to work on a project that brings together sport and nutrition. “Producers play an active role in our community, collaborating with local schools and sports teams, helping to put on athletics, cycling, and volleyball activities, and campaigning at the same time about good nutrition for youth and athletes. Training starts at the table…”