Articles
THE CONCEPT AND DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIC FRUIT GROWING IN SWITZERLAND
Compared to other countries, Switzerland has a long tradition in the development of such organic farming systems.
Concerning organic fruit growing, a small number of pioneer farmers started making tests with non-chemical methods.
Based on their experiences and supported by the advisory services of biological agriculture and interested specialists of research stations, other growers started in the last 15 years in different areas to grow fruit with biological methods.
Organic fruit growing systems are based on the Standards for biological agriculture of the Swiss Association of Organic Producers’ Organisations (VSBLO), which are more or less identical with the basic standards of IFOAM (International Organisation of Organic Agriculture Movements). In order to identify these products, a common trademark (logo) for all inspected and certified biological farms is used on a contract system.
In 1989 there are about 50 organic fruit growers in Switzerland, mainly mixed farms with smaller orchards.
About 10 of them are cultivating more than 2 hectares.
In 1985 it was possible to start a large scientific programme together with the Research Station of Wädenswil.
It includes mainly disease control and variety tests.