INFORMATION ON IFP - FRANCE

"A system of cultivation implementing techniques able to satisfy ecological and toxicological requirements in order to achieve yields of optimal quality".

Currently:-

• there are 80 COVAPI members producing IFP fruit.
• about 800 hectares are devoted to producing fruit according to IFP standards.
• five species of fruit are mainly produced, apple, apricot, cherry, peach and pear.
• This production is not concentrated in one region: it is national and spread over the whole fruit producing area.
• The COVAPI guideline is in accordance with the international IOBC guideline.
• COVAPI IFP fruit is sold separately, with a special label.
• COVAPI IFP is a fruit growers organisation.
• Until 1991, COVAPI was controlled by regional technicians and growers. From 1992, accredited Agricultural Ministry Inspectors will maintain control over COVAPI production.
• Both parties, growers and technicians, take samples which are analysed by several official laboratories such as INRA, and Fraud Service.
• Local technicians give advice to the growers and several specialised organisations assist them according to the following headings:
  • Pathology : INRA, ACTA, Plant Protection Service
  • Fertilisation : Agronomist Export
  • Fruit quality : CEMAGREF
• Several experiments have been conducted in collaboration with official organisations such as:
  • INRA : Theme "Orchard in the year 2000" : plant protection
  • Environmental protection : various nitrogen fertiliser systems and microelements in soils and trees.
  • CEMAGREF : Fruit tasting panel and fruit quality index.
• Fruit growers are increasingly interested in IFP : they are making great efforts to succeed and are, over a period of time, reaching the IFP guidelines.

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