27 April RESPONSIBLE AGRICULTURE: WHAT ALTERNATIVES TO PHYTOSANITARY PRODUCTS?

The ecological transition has shaken up our consumption patterns. “Eating healthy and local” is essential today for many of us. To meet consumer expectations, more and more farmers are turning to responsible agriculture, using more natural products.

So what are the alternatives to these chemical phytosanitary products? Takagreen introduces you to its partner suppliers committed to agriculture that is more respectful of the environment.

• Natural pesticides: As you know, pesticide products are used to protect crops from pests (insects, diseases, animals). Often of chemical origin, their use is not without consequences: diseases, pollution of rivers, destruction of biodiversity... Fortunately, there are alternatives using only natural processes. This is the case ofINSECTÖSPHERE which specializes in the production and manufacture of biological control solutions. The company uses 100% ecological and natural methods.

• Natural fertilizers: There are two types of fertiliser: mineral fertilisers, often from the chemical industry, and organic fertilisers, which are of animal (manure, compost, etc.) or plant (algae, wood ash) origin. Like any synthetic product, chemical fertilizers pollute the soil and degrade groundwater, unlike natural fertilizers which stimulate micro-organic life. Takagreen therefore recommends THE VERMRICULTURE FARM OF PROVENCE which markets vermicompost, a natural fertilizer made from top quality earthworms.

• Bio-stimulants : Bio-stimulants are micro-organisms that stimulate the plant nutrition process: improving nutrient absorption, tolerance to abiotic stress, crop quality, etc. The company INOCULUM PLUS specializes in the production of bio-stimulants based on mycorrhiza-forming fungi to promote responsible agriculture. Their solution reduces watering and the amount of fertilizer used.

• Edible food coating: Chemical phytosanitary products are also used post-harvest to increase the shelf life of the fruits and vegetables produced. To overcome this, the company PROTEME has developed an edible food coating: a thin film that surrounds the product and gives it additional properties. This natural, biodegradable and edible solution makes it possible to fight against bacterial attacks and slow down the maturation of the product.

• Water-retaining fertilizer: Huge amounts of water are used in agriculture, which is why the company POLYTER has created an innovative product: The Polyter®, a water-retaining fertilizer capable of restoring the water and fertilizers the plant needs. A water tank and a permanent pantry for the plant that saves between 50 and 80% of water consumption. A totally biodegradable solution that regenerates the soil and accelerates crop cycles. This innovation promotes responsible agriculture since it leaves no residues in soils and crops.

• Natural litter : Used in animal breeding, the litter helps absorb various elements such as perspiration and urine. If straw is the material most often chosen, its use has its limits. Indeed, its production can sometimes be a problem, particularly because of climate change. This is why there are many alternatives that are not always very natural and that, in the long run, can cause discomfort and illness in the farms. In this sense, the GREENATION company has developed a 100% organic litter: NATURESORB® AGRO which makes it possible to absorb large quantities of liquid while reducing odors, the proliferation of flies and the risk of disease for animals. In addition, the air quality is greatly improved because this solution helps reduce the level of ammonia in the air.