UK retailers are being promised Andalusian produce with dramatically reduced pesticide residue levels under a rapidly expanding production scheme.
The Spanish regional and central government has funded the establishment last week of Hortyfruta, a not-for-profit organisation representing producers of Andalusian fruit and vegetables.
The organisation will focus on producing fruit and veg using so-called "clean farming" techniques. Under the system, 'good' insects are introduced to the environment to kill 'bad' crop-damaging insects, significantly reducing or even eliminating the need for pesticides. Growers are required to follow strict guidelines on agricultural practice and environmental preservation.
Hortyfruta members supply 170,000 tonnes of produce with a market value of €90m to a range of UK supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons. Adoption of the clean farming system is increasing rapidly, says Hortyfruta, with 90% of all peppers grown last season using biological rather than chemical pest control.
Following successful trials, the use of clean farming on fruit and vegetables in the region produced indoors has risen from 500ha in 2006 to 12,000 today. The group hopes to increase this to 30,0000 ha over the next five years, and beyond that has set the target of producing 100% of Andalusian produce using clean farming.
"As one of the world's largest agricultural producers we regard it as our responsibility to champion best practice to ensure Andalusia produces healthy, tasty fruit, with the wellbeing of the consumer and the protection of the environment at the centre," said Hortyfruta general manager Maria Jose Pardo.
Hortyfruta members grow a range of fresh produce including tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, melon, courgettes, green beans, cucumber, watermelon, lettuce, cabbage and grapes.
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