BIODIVERISTY AND SPRING CERTIFICATION

21 April 2023

In 2023 the RINA Agroqualità certifying body granted us the Biodiversity and Spring certifications. In addition to the existing GlobalG.A.P., GRASP and IFS 7 certifications, we wanted to embark on the process for Add-On BioDiversity, involving all organisations adhering to Option 2 to demonstrate our commitment to biodiversity in the conventional production of fruit and vegetables.

To this end, we have implemented the following measures:

To compensate for the negative effects of crop production in tunnels, we have created habitats for plants and animals (hedges, copses, field borders, wildlife corridors, uncultivated areas) by planting or maintaining hedges with native flora.

To reduce pesticide use, we choose varieties that are resistant to disease, focusing on an integrated approach to pest management, more rigorous than that stipulated by law.

To restore soil fertility, we use green manure and organic substances.

To support and protect species, we have installed nesting boxes for birds and insects.

To support animal species during dry periods, we have established additional food and water stations.

In order to achieve our set objectives, each member company has set aside 3% of its land for biodiversity. At the same time, we have also embarked on the SPRING Sustainable Programme for Irrigation and Groundwater Use, which allows producers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable water management and includes aspects such as the legal conformity of water sources and extraction levels; this allows us to demonstrate our constant improvement in water management and the impact of production on the sustainable management of reservoirs.