At last week’s Fruit Logistica exhibition in Berlin, French kiwifruit marketer Primland revealed that it was reviewing its sustainable development policy within the organisation, as well as within partnering cooperatives.
Primland sells the produce of four southern French cooperatives united under the name Alliance Kiwi France (AKF), which has grown into the leading kiwifruit producer in France since its creation in 2003.
According to Primland, the cooperative’s growth has been based on its strong social values and respect for its growers.
The company highlights the values of solidarity, democracy, equality, fairness, transparency and proximity as central to its relationship with its growers, while quality, health, safety and environmental standards are key to obtaining the best quality fruit.
“Conscious of the importance of the environment in their activity, growers are working, on a daily basis, towards the sustainable management of natural resources,” the company stated.
This global approach to reducing the environmental impact of production entails the development of quality approaches on the farms, including GlobalGAP, organic farming and HVE (High Environmental Value), involving the responsible use of fertilisers, control of phytosanitary products and grower training to reduce the use of such products.
The approach also involves setting up energy-saving and recycling systems in the group’s packhouses, as well as water intake management and monitoring, and waste sorting and recycling.
In addition, Primland has obtained two new certifications over the past year: IFS Broker, which guarantees food safety throughout the chain, and the Zero Pesticide Residue label, the first volumes of which are set for sale this year.
