Integrated vineyard production is that form of viticulture, which combines the use of agrochemical products compatible with the environment (in a controlled way) to control pests and diseases, together with the use of traditional techniques. The objective is the production in a healthy and respectful way with the environment, offering a quality product.
According to royal decree 1201/2002, which regulates the integrated production of agricultural products, integrated production is defined as: “Agricultural system for obtaining vegetables that makes the most of the resources and natural production mechanisms and ensures long-term term a sustainable agriculture, introducing in it biological and chemical control methods, and other techniques that make compatible the demands of society, the protection of the environment and agricultural productivity, as well as the operations carried out for handling, packaging, transformation and labeling of plant products covered by the system ”
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What advantages does integrated viticulture offer us?
For the consumer: being able to have high-quality and healthier products, with more information through labeling. It supposes the possibility of acquiring a product of guaranteed and certified quality, which allows a follow-up of its traceability.
For the environment: decrease in the use of chemical products and rational use of natural resources.
For the farmer or producer: increase in the added value of agricultural products and greater sustainability of agricultural production. The producer offers a guarantee to the consumer that certifies compliance with all the requirements demanded by this production system. It is a more rational and environmentally friendly way of growing, favoring economically viable and sustainable agriculture.
How is integrated viticulture controlled?
There is a general rule (1201/2002) that regulates all national agricultural production.
Then there are specific rules for each crop, in our case for the vine.
And finally, there are specific regulations per crop carried out by each autonomous community. We are not going to get into why we need 3 laws for a product.
How can I certify my vineyard in integrated production?
Once all the specific and community regulations are known, there are certifying entities authorized by the government, which will control that we comply with all the requirements.
The guarantee is established through a process of certification of the production system and of obtaining the product, carried out by control and certification entities.
Recommended practices in integrated viticulture.
Integrated production requires a series of practices aimed at protecting the environment, such as:
1. promotion of biodiversity.
2. improvement of soil fertility .
3. control of the irrigation system.
4. integrated pest and disease control .
5. review of machinery and treatment equipment.
6. Management of the Logbooks.
The integrated production system is a respectful system with the environment and allows a complete monitoring of the traceability of each product.
Objectives and purpose of integrated viticulture.
The purpose of integrated production is oriented towards obtaining high quality products, minimizing the use of agrochemicals, reducing waste and optimizing production methods, through a total integration of all available resources.
The objectives pursued by integrated viticulture are:
• Obtain high-quality products.
• Protect the health of the producer and consumer.
• Apply production processes that respect the environment.
• Favor the agricultural ecosystem respecting the native fauna and flora.
• Justify and minimize the use of agrochemical products.
• Carry out a correct management of natural resources.
You may also be interested in some of these viticulture articles published on this blog:
Ecological Viticulture. An alternative to conventional viticulture.
Integrated Viticulture. A model of sustainable agriculture.
Precision Viticulture. Basic notions.
Biodynamic Viticulture. The evolution of organic viticulture?
