Certis Europe provides Integrated Crop Management programmes, using all possible products and technologies in different crops, countries and conditions. “We’ve been working on that for many years now,” says Francisco Torres, Portfolio Lead for Speciality Crops at Certis Europe. Its Growing for the Future programmes include combinations of conventional and biorational products and a variety of technologies, to support farmers and growers in providing products that fit the needs of the retail sector and consumers.
Certis Europe was established almost twenty years ago, bringing together operations that were already established in the Netherlands, UK and France, and has grown to what it is today, covering the whole of Europe and countries beyond through its International Business Unit.
Biorationals
“We develop and deliver solutions to help European growers produce healthy crops in ways that are better for the Earth and good for us all.” The company places a special focus on the development of Biorational products that allow growers to produce non-residue crops efficiently.
Biorational products are specific to the pests and diseases they control, so they must be used correctly in recommended programmes. “We offer support for growers to help them optimize the use of plant protection products.” The company has technical advisors who do just that, along with innovation centers in Spain, France and the Netherlands, to transfer expertise and know-how.
“Biorational products have become an indispensable tool to produce greenhouse vegetables according to consumers’ demands and this is increasingly important.” The use of these products has grown in recent years and more growth is foreseen, since they are a global trend. “The degree of adoption varies geographically, and we see markets that are more advanced compared to others that evolve at a different speed.”
Growing for the Future
Certis’ Growing for the Future initiative seeks to serve as a bridge between all the stakeholders in the food chain.
“This project has become an important tool for innovative growers, particularly in Spain where it was first established several years ago. It now also extends to other producing countries. In the last two years, the number of growers and cooperatives that have joined has increased significantly.”