The expansion of the Agricultural Cooperative COAGRISAN is still unabated. In addition to a continuous upward progression in terms of volume and quality of its production, there is now also a commitment to enter a new market with a transition to organic crops.
After the excellent results achieved with the introduction of organic bananas, the Cooperative headed by Juan José del Pino has decided to invest also in the production of organic tomatoes after the issue was discussed by the Governing Board and submitted for analysis to the technical team.
Del Pino added that the decision is supported by the entity's customers themselves, who had been asking COAGRISAN to introduce such crops for some time.
General Manager Jacinto Godoy explained that the current production model is based on sustainability and respect for the environment, with 100% of the acreage under biological control techniques, with minimal use of active ingredients (phytosanitary products, coir substrates and rockwool), recirculation and the application of the zero waste model in most of the acreage. To this we must add that our production is located between national parks and the Biosphere Reserve of Gran Canaria, points out Godoy.
Furthermore, we have spent two years trying to make use of plant residues for the crops with the aid of composting techniques; however, bureaucratic obstacles from the administrations have prevented the treatment plant for the production of the necessary compost to operate, states the GM.
Godoy explained that "our idea is to plant a reasonable amount in the first year, as a test, at COAGRISAN's R&D+i greenhouse, to see how the crop, the market and the customers respond, as our clients have been demanding organic products for a while."
Then, based on the response, which we already expect to be very positive, in light of the results achieved with organic bananas, the initial estimate is for between 30 and 40% of the tomato acreage to be converted to organic in the coming years, eventually reaching one hundred percent within a period that will depend on market demand, affirms Godoy.
COAGRISAN is convinced that organic farming is booming, as demand for such products is on the rise and will continue to increase in the coming years. Therefore, its goal is to reach a stable position in this market as soon as possible.
This new production is intended for export, with Europe as the main buyer. The customers in Scandinavian countries have actually been the ones suggesting the jump to organic tomato production in order to establish stronger and more stable business relations.
Lastly, GM Jacinto Godoy believes that, with the obstacles that prevented the granting of organic certifications already overcome, it is time to make a strong commitment to producing organic tomatoes of extraordinary quality, as they have always done with the traditional production for export.
Thus, the production model remains in line with the company's commitment to sustainability, environmental protection and innovation, offering maximum satisfaction and meeting the requirements of the most demanding markets.
Interest from European customers, always in search of excellence and reliability, along with COAGRISAN's core values: professionalism, prestige and responsibility, are a guarantee of the success of this initiative, concludes Jacinto González Godoy.