ISHS Acta Horticulturae 347: II International Symposium on Integrated Fruit Production
TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE REGIONAL GROUP OF THE INTEGRATED PRODUCTION ORGANISATION "CULTIVAL" |
| Author: | J. Rossier |
| Abstract:
CULTIVAL is located in the state of Valais, which is in the South of Switzerland and in the Alps. The Valais is bordered by Italy and France and the Rhône Valley in the Valais is situated at 500 m altitude above sea-level, and receives only 500 to 600 mm of rain each year, mostly during the winter. In the mid 1970s, fruit producers began to plan the adoption of integrated pest management techniques and individual teaching to facilitate this was given by public advisers. In 1980, fruit growers started working in small groups of around 5 to 6 people from the same village. Each grower has a reference plot where pest control measures are taken. The group regularly visits the reference plot of each member, under the leadership of a chief controller. The decision on whether treatment is necessary and the choice of the products depends upon the results of the inspections. The other technical practices associated with IFP were progressively taken up under the spirit of integrated fruit production. For instance, regular soil analysis, pruning courses and so on were introduced. In 1986, the organisation CULTIVAL was officially established. In 1988, pre-harvest inspections were established on all reference plots and since 1990, CULTIVAL has organised and managed the Swiss Label for IFP for the state Valais. | |
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