"Zero Residue" Agriculture
In recent years, the agricultural sector has been driven by a growing trend to optimize the production of goods in terms of quantity and quality. This trend is followed by a growing tension in the safety of the products produced, which is generally part of the issue of food safety. All this research leads to a model of sustainable development which includes, among other things, commitment to social well-being and respect for the environment. It is on this basis that the "Zero Residue" agriculture is born.
To provide farmers with the tools they need to cover all markets, BIOTOPIO has incorporated the natural solutions of KOPPERT BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS and IDAI NATURE into its product catalog, two international companies involved in the production of long-lasting products based on beneficial benefits, extracts of herbs and minerals without chemical residues.
Below you can see our answers to the most common questions
1. How and why was the "Zero Residue" agriculture created?
In recent years there has been particular concern and concern about the food problem and in particular a growing trend for optimal production of products in terms of quantity and quality, safety of products produced with the least possible impact on the environment, the user and the consumer. . In addition to feeding a growing population with limited resources, a priority is given to a sustainable development model, which includes, among other things, commitment to social welfare and respect for the environment. This is reflected in the growing trend of consumers to prefer food without chemical residues, which has led to a greater reduction in the distribution chain in relation to the time of production, evaluation, marketing and supply of fruits and vegetables. Thus, "Zero Residue" agriculture was created in response to the respect of the people in the environment in which they live and, consequently, to the need of the market, which no longer only accepts production and consumption, but seeks to act in accordance with a green and sustainable philosophy.
2. Is "Zero Residue" agriculture synonymous with organic farming?
"Zero Residue" agriculture is not synonymous with organic farming, although it has several similarities and the inputs used for organic farming can also be used in "Zero Residue" agriculture. In the first case, the inflows used during the cultivation cycle and after the harvest must be included and meet the regulations established by the respective certification bodies, while in the second purpose we must receive products that do not exceed the residual limits proposed by the respective Community authorities and the distribution chain itself, without taking into account the means used to implement it. Of course, it is desirable to produce products without - with zero - residues at the time of disposal to the final consumer.
3. How does "Zero Residue" agriculture work?
"Zero Residue" agriculture allows the use of products of chemical composition, as well as those suitable for organic farming, promoting the use of natural biostimulants, biomaterials and beneficial fauna. This is because it aims and aims at strengthening and respecting the environment and the natural balance of the agro-environmental ecosystem.
4. How are agricultural inputs processed in "Zero Residue" agriculture?
Generally, from natural raw materials such as botanical and mineral extracts, respecting the environment. In this sense, manufacturing technology, including complication factors, surfactants, excipients, etc., are key determinants of the solvency and effectiveness of these inputs.
5. What are the most suitable crops in this production model?
All types of crops that are at high risk of developing chemical residues are higher than those allowed or required by the market. The fact that these solutions can be applied without harvest restrictions (ie they can be applied to the field and then the fruits are collected after a few hours), allows these solutions to be used in different types of crops: herbs and aromatic plants, solanid, colloquial , cruciferous, citrus, soft fruits, table and wine grapes and ornamental plants are some examples.
6. How are plant protection products incorporated into Zero Residue applications?
They are generally applied in the early stages of cultivation, in accordance with the safety conditions set by the producer and the decomposition curve of the active ingredient, so that there are no residues at the time of collection.
7. Is this production model suitable for large farms?
Of course, it is suitable and perfectly applicable to any structure and any size of operation. The quality and efficiency of the inputs used allow the achievement of homogeneous and regular harvests from the entire cultivated area, regardless of its size.
8. Will "Zero Residue" agriculture create access to new markets?
Undoubtedly! Indeed, it is one of the main advantages that this model offers. It is a model that meets the needs of crops naturally and efficiently and the products produced are free of chemical residues. The use of "Zero Residue" products allows the producer to stand out, increase its profitability, pave the way for new markets with greater added value and provide high quality healthy food to consumers at a competitive price.
9. Is the "Zero Residue" model an additional cost in the final product?
One of the biggest problems with this type of farming is the additional cost of the final product. However, BIOTOPIO has managed to overcome this situation by focusing on natural solutions for crops without residues and without translating into increased product costs. With this in mind, BIOTOPIO has the support of KOPPERT BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS and IDAI NATURE, the experts in natural solutions. These are multinational reference companies in the cultivation of fruit and vegetables free of chemicals, with special technology that is necessary for the production of their products and therefore have completely unique natural solutions for agriculture. BIOTOPIO in collaboration with KOPPERT BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS and IDAI NATURE offers the farmer the opportunity to grow his own zero residue at no extra cost, without the consumer not having to increase his budget for fruits and vegetables to enjoy this product.
10. What should I do to start implementing the "Zero Residue" model in my crops?
It is easy to incorporate the above-mentioned natural solutions into your work schedule, calendar and crop management. To achieve the best results, it is necessary to study and learn the special needs and challenges of cultivation and harvesting in order to create a personalized action protocol that covers the diagnosis, the necessary treatment and even the marketing of the crop.
BIOTOPIO together with KOPPERT BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS and IDAI NATURE offers this service, which focuses on technical consulting through a wide technical team consisting of agronomists in agriculture "Zero Residue".