Abstracts of EAPR Pathology and Pests Section Meeting on Reducing Pesticide Use while Preserving Potato Productivity and Profitability, Neuchâtel, Switzerland, 1-5 September 2019

Abstract

The fenaco/LANDI Group (fLG) is an agricultural cooperative which was founded from six regional cooperatives in 1993, with the purpose to support the farmers in the economic development of their businesses. In its four strategic business fields, the fLG operates with extended activities along the value chain, and therefore is an important link between producers and consumers. In its sustainability goals, fLG aims to play a leading role in the market of alternative crop protection. Minimizing risk in the use of plant protection products and supporting its farmers in implementing strategies will help to achieve this objective. The sustainable cultivation of crops in Switzerland requires an adequate protection against weeds, diseases and pests, regardless of the production method. Crop failures or quality-related failures lead to increased food waste, to financial losses for the producer and to fluctuations in market coverage. This can cause the loss of profitability of the local production and thus increase food imports as a substitution. In order to avoid this development and continue to offer consumers market-compliant domestic products, the use of plant protection products must continue to be adequately available as a possible option in the future. At the same time, the public perception and the consumers' expectations increasingly turn against chemical-synthetic plant protection. With various initiatives, fLG is already working to ensure that Swiss food production can continue to increase in terms of safety, quality and sustainability. The support of research projects in collaboration with ETH, Agroscope and other institutions is a key pillar in this approach. fLG also supports the Plant Protection Action Plan of the Swiss government, for example with the promotion of cover crops and the use of beneficials (Trichogramma/maize). Moreover, fLG invests in the development of innovative concepts with the combination of technologies such as beneficial drones, hacking robots and digital consulting.