A study presented by Kassensturz, a Swiss consumer program, on the pesticide use in strawberries gave the Swiss producers a very good report. In all samples, the concentrations of chemicals were clearly below the legal limits.
In the beginning of June Greenpeace tested pesticide residues on Swiss strawberries. The results presented by the Kassensturz confirm that Swiss strawberries meet all the legal requirements. In all samples, the chemical residues were clearly below the legal limits. The concentrations observed are 1000 times lower than the permitted limits. So the study confirms: Swiss strawberries can safely be enjoyed.
Difficult weather conditions
These results are encouraging since the current weather represents a major challenge for the producers. The strawberries are at risk from pest infestation, particularly fungi, during the ongoing wet weather. The possibilities to control with pesticides are severely limited, due to legal and additional voluntary regulations (Suisse Garantie, SwissGAP). The study underlines once again that Swiss farmers work very conscientiously and responsibly.
Crop protection: as little as possible, as much as necessary
The use of pesticides is currently controversial. However, independent experts agree that without crop protection the food production wouldn’t be sufficient. Every gardener knows that during the wet weather he has to fight the snails from eating his plants. The choice is to protect the plants or lose the crop. If we want to harvest, from the garden or on the field, the crops must be protected from pests.
Swiss farmers use as little pesticides as possible. The recent Greenpeace study clearly shows that the Swiss producers put their promises into actions. And therefore Swiss strawberries can safely be enjoyed.