In a bold move to address the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices, Certis Belchim has unveiled its latest initiative, Growing For The Future (G4TF). This strategic project is designed to meet stringent European supermarket requirements for reducing chemical residues in produce while supporting farmers, sustainability, and food security. The G4TF project is built around five key performance indicators (KPIs) that focus on pest and disease control, reducing the number of active chemical ingredients, lowering chemical residues in fruit, minimizing environmental impact, and enhancing farmer profitability.
The G4TF project has been rigorously tested over the past three to four years, focusing on citrus and olive crops. The primary objective was to compare the efficacy of conventional synthetic chemical treatments with Certis Belchim’s innovative Zero Residue program (CBRO) and the Organic program (CBE). Both programs also evaluated the use of beneficial arthropods to bolster crop health.
The results from the citrus crop trials are promising. The Certis Belchim programs demonstrated equivalent efficacy against pests and diseases compared to conventional methods. Moreover, they achieved a reduction in the number of active chemical ingredients used by between 38% and 70%. Remarkably, the fruit produced under these programs contained zero chemical residues. The environmental impact coefficient was reduced by an impressive range of 21% to 99%. Additionally, growers saw increased profitability, with yields improving by up to 14% in some cases.
The olive crop trials also yielded significant results. The Certis Belchim program showed superior control of olive leaf spot, a major disease affecting olive crops, in some instances. The reduction in active chemical ingredients reached up to 50%, and the fruit output was free of chemical residues. The environmental impact coefficient saw a reduction of between 2% and 17%, and profitability for farmers increased by 13% to 23%.
These findings underscore the potential of the G4TF initiative to revolutionize sustainable farming practices. By integrating organic products and reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals, Certis Belchim is paving the way for a more environmentally friendly and economically viable agricultural sector. The reduction in chemical residues not only meets supermarket standards but also aligns with consumer demand for healthier, cleaner produce.
The implications of the G4TF project are far-reaching. For farmers, the project offers a pathway to increased profitability through improved yields and reduced input costs. For consumers, it provides access to safer, residue-free produce. Environmentally, the reduction in chemical use and lower environmental impact coefficients contribute to the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Certis Belchim’s commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in the success of the G4TF project. By setting and achieving ambitious KPIs, the company is leading the charge towards a more sustainable and secure food production system. The integration of beneficial arthropods and organic products into crop management programs highlights the potential for biological solutions to complement and enhance traditional farming practices.
For those interested in learning more about the Growing For The Future initiative, Certis Belchim will be presenting at the World Agri-Tech Summit in London from September 30 to October 1. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with CEO Mark Waltham and the Certis Belchim team to discuss the project’s findings and future directions. This event promises to be a valuable platform for sharing insights and fostering collaborations aimed at advancing sustainable agriculture.