The Swiss Fruit Association (SOV) and Swisscofel have agreed on a national sustainability program. Producers are investing heavily in even more sustainable cultivation, and retailers are compensating them with a fair price. As a result, Swiss consumers will be able to enjoy even more sustainable apples and pears from late summer 2022.
Swiss fruit growers have always been among the pioneers in the field of sustainable production. It established integrated production in the 1980s and the Suisse Garantie brand in the 2000s, which is now an essential element of good agricultural practice. With the launch of the national sustainability program, he is once again taking on a pioneering role. The goal is clear: Swiss fruit growing is to be a leader in sustainability. This is to meet the increased demands of consumers, the market, society and politics.
Nine sustainability goals
In order to achieve this ambitious goal, production and trade have agreed on an ambitious sustainability program after several months of preparatory work. This envisages around 90 measures in all three dimensions of sustainability. The goals include halving the risks associated with the use of crop protection products, reducing CO2 emissions and doubling biodiversity. The program is being continuously developed by a working group set up specifically for this purpose.
SOV Director Jimmy Mariéthoz is satisfied: "With the sustainability program, we are taking successful cooperation along the entire value chain, and the environment in particular is benefiting from this." Christian Sohm, Director Swisscofel adds: "We are pleased to be able to offer consumers real added value."
For more information:
swisscofel.ch
swissfruit.ch