The National IFP Guidelines for Canadian Apples

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The National IFP Guidelines for Canadian Apples

• Apple Working Group of
• Canadian Horticultural Council
• Developed by
• EarthTramper Consulting Inc.

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What isIntegrated Fruit Production?

• IFP is a systems approach to apple production
  which promotes environmental sustainability,
  economic viability and social responsibility

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Origins of IFP

• 20 years ago Switzerland, Germany, Italy,
  Austria, France
• Environmentally sustainable farming
• Development of eco-labels
• Today considered the standard in E.U.
• Expanded to New Zealand, U.S.A., Chile, South
  Africa and elsewhere.

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Important Principles

• IFP emphasizes pesticide reduction
• IFP is a process
• IFP provides
• measureables and
• traceability
• ( credibility)
• IFP requires strong
• partnerships
• IFP is dynamic

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The National IFP Project for Canadian Apples

• Coordination
• Apple Working Group, CHC
• Funding
• AAFC (CARD)
• World Wildlife Fund Canada
• Project Consultant
• EarthTramper Consulting Inc.

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Objectives of the National IFP Guidelines for
Apples

• Supply packers with quality fruit produced under
  world-class, nationally endorsed IFP standards
• Assure retailers and consumers that Canadian
  apple producers are leaders in integrated pest
  management, food safety, and environmental
  responsibility
• Increase consumption of Canadian apples and
  ensure continued access to export markets

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Components of the National IFP Guidelines

• Orchard Planning
• Soil Management
• Orchard Floor Management
• Nutrition Management
• Irrigation
• Integrated Pest Management
• Pesticide Application and Storage

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Components of the National IFP Guidelines

• Harvesting, Handling and Fruit Quality
• Machinery and Equipment
• Worker and Workplace Safety
• Waste Management
• Environmental Stewardship
• Record Keeping
• Grower Education and Training

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Apple Growers National IFP Self-Assessment
Evaluation

• Practices
• Use or Dont Use
• Barriers to Action
• Information not available
• Services not available
• Cost too high
• Not practical
• Not a priority
• Legislation prevents use

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The Pilot Project(2002)

• 45 growers across Canada piloted the Guidelines
  and Self-Assessment
• 72 returned completed forms
• Overall response positive
• National IFP Conference -
• 100 participants
• Spring 2003 distribution to
• all Canadian growers

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Next Steps

• Follow-up technical support to implement IFP
  practices in apple orchards across Canada
• Continue to work with provinces in developing IFP
  protocols and eco-marketing programs
• Develop national promotion campaign for IFP
  adoption in the Canadian apple industry

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For more information

• EarthTramper Consulting Inc.
• 1-519-426-7124 office
• 1-519-426-3744 fax
• solymar_at_nornet.on.ca