Bayer CropScience has launched a “food chain partnership”, establishing itself as a global link between food producers and the rest of the supply chain.
Using contract farming, Bayer said it will work closely with local farmers, foreign importers and the German food trade to help produce high quality products which are safe, have transparent production, and are still affordable.
Presenting two contract farming pilot projects at Fruit Logistica 2006, Dr Scheitza, member of the Bayer board of management, told delegates: “ The knowledge and use of innovative products from Bayer CropScience guarantees the highest quality and maximum safety for the consumer: in the country of origin, but also in the major export markets.”
The two pilot projects focused on products traditionally associated with high pesticide residue levels: bell peppers in Almería and table grapes in Turkey.
In both cases, suitable producers and land were selected and Bayer experts then advised growers on issues such as greenhouse hygiene, resistance management, variety selection and crop protection, in order to promote sustainable agriculture.
Regular checks were also implemented to ensure the consistent high quality of the produce; the peppers were even accompanied throughout the production chain by a passport detailing the crop protection measures and the application rate of pesticides.
“Consumer safety is paramount,” said Scheitza, “We are convinced consumer confidence can be won back by more transparent production.
Similar projects have now been initiated in Peru, Morocco, Malaysia and the UK.
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