Tunisia: South Organic dates treated with EcO2 pest control technique
South Organic an exporter of organic dates in Tunisia, also known as Gebana Maghreb, doesn’t use chemicals for pest control. South Organic has opted for the environmentally friendly Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technique of EcO2 for the fumigation of dates. Since 2008 it has one EcO2 treatment unit at their location in Kebili.
The treatment room that was constructed in Tunisia in 2008
"Now in 2012 they will expand with 3 treatment rooms in order to meet the needs of the organic market. With this expansion they can treat approximately 5000 mton dates yearly," said Pieter van Rennes account manager of the project in Tunisia.
The treatment rooms can be build on location by EcO2
Taieb Foudhaili director of South Organic has chosen for the extension of the treatment capacity because the technique has proven its effectiveness, also the good cooperation with the offices in the Netherlands and Vietnam is important.
EcO2 specializes in environmentally friendly pest control for organic products such as dried fruit, spices, seeds, legumes and nuts amongst other things. The Controlled Atmosphere is a 100% non-toxic technique which the company says does not affect the quality and quantity of the products and leaves no residue behind.
"Only the composition of the air is adjusted. All natural and environmentally friendly!" says Pieter. The Controlled Atmosphere technique is a permitted technique in accordance with the organic production method laid down in the European Regulation (EC) No. 834/2007
The dates are Bio-Suisse, EU-Bio and NOP certified. Gebana Maghreb and the farmer cooperatives of Bargouthia and Derjine are FLO (Fairtrade Labelling Organisation) certified. This Bio and Fairtrade certification ensures a long-term positive outlook.
For more information:
Taieb Foudhaili
South Organic
[email protected]
www.gebana.com
Pieter van Rennes
EcO2
Tel: +31 186 651010
[email protected]
www.eco2.nl