Integrated agriculture follows specific guidelines for the production of fruit products. The South Tyrolean AGRIOS workgroup for integrated fruit cultivation provides the following definition: “The expression ‘integrated production’ refers to an agricultural production system for foods in which natural resources are used in a sustainable fashion and aids such as fertilizers and plant protectants are used with care. [...] The use of chemical and synthetic agents is reduced to a minimum, and fertilizers are used efficiently.”
For a long time now, apple production in South Tyrol - Südtirol has been based on respect for the values of health, environment and sustainability. The start of integrated production dates back to 1989, when a group of South Tyrolean fruit growers decided to try a new approach to apple cultivation. Today, integrated production is a standard for South Tyrolean fruit growing.
So how does a farmer who decides to apply this cultivation method proceed? They try to maintain the natural balance that exists in the orchard. They respect natural pest antagonists and only resort to regulating practices for plant and harvest protection when necessary. They maintain the fertility and good health of the soil. Strict controls guarantee the healthiness and high quality of the apples. Further information can be found at https://www.agrios.it/en/.