Integrated production (IP)

In integrated production, farmers may make use of fertilizers and synthetic phytosanitary products albeit in limited quantities. With IP, preventive treatment of crops to protect them from molds, insects, and weeds is not allowed. Treatment may be carried out only if controlled crop monitoring establishes that non-treatment will engender losses of revenue in excess of fixed limits. In combating certain pests, biocontrol is also used, and the tendency to use this means is on the increase. The amount of fertilizer that may be used in integrated production is calculated very precisely depending on the type of crop and particularities of the farm (type of soil, whether or not there are farm animals, etc). It is mandatory for any farm using the integrated system to let at least 7% of farmland lie fallow so that vegetation and wild flowers can grow and provide a natural habitat for birds (such as the partridge, in Geneva) and animals. Presently, 95% of Swiss farms use the integrated production system.

Extenso production and IP-Suisse

All farms using extenso production to grow cereals or colza follow the same basic norms governing integrated production. Extenso production is used exclusively for cereals (except corn) and colza, and the only difference between this system and IP is that all use of insecticides, fungicides and plant growth substances for cereals is prohibited although the use of specified herbicides is authorized. Crops grown using this system are entitled to bear the “IP-Suisse” label featuring a ladybug.

Organic farming

Organic farming, as the name indicates, respects natural cycles as much as possible. Again here, the same basic norms governing integrated farming are followed except that the use of any type of synthetic product (fertilizers or phytosanitary products) is prohibited. Different methods are also used in pest and weed control (methods that are increasingly finding favor in IP as well). Crop care tasks such as weeding are carried out either mechanically or manually, which means that production costs are high. In Switzerland, organic farming regulations stipulate that this method of farming may not be engaged in unless it is the only method in use on the farm. Mixing crop and animal farming is also prohibited by the regulations. Crops from organic farms adhering to these regulations are entitled to bear the “Bio Suisse” label.