THE AUSTRIAN IFP PROGRAMME IN 1992

• In 1992, 1607 fruit growers (i.e. 35% of the total number of growers), with an area of 4868 ha (57% of the total growing area), participated in the IFP programme.
• Although IFP guidelines exist for apple, pear and stone fruits, apple is still the focal point in the programme. In different federal provinces up to 75% of the apple area is managed according to IFP guidelines.
• All fruit producing areas of Austria are taking part in this programme.
• Mostly, the national guidelines comply with or exceed the international IOBC guidelines. Only in the case of the intensity of field inspections or controls are there significant differences. The IOBC guidelines require a minimum control level of 20% of the farms, whilst in Austria a minimum of 10% is required.
• The IFP guidelines, as well as the details of the control measures, are laid down by the National Fruit Growing Association every year. The execution of these guidelines and controls is organised by the regional fruit growing associations.
• The control measures are carried out by one or more control commissions in each federal state. Representatives of the following four interest groups take part in each control commission:
  fruit growers
  Chambers of Agriculture
  science and research workers
  consumers
  
• Samples for residue analysis are collected by these commissions.
• In Austria there is no special IFP advisory service. Most of the advice associated with the IFP programmes is provided by advisors from the local Chambers of Agriculture.
• In the last two years IFP has developed to become the new standard for fruit production. However, because of certain problems (e.g. storage rots and russeting) it will not prove possible to include 100% of Austrian fruit growers within the IFP programme.
• The Austrian fruit growers have a high level of technical competance in fruit growing and they are well prepared for the efficient adoption of IFP. Also, they have a very enthusiastic attitude concerning IFP and most of them have no problems working to the IFP guidelines.

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