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Issue

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Aims

This policy aims to interpret Regulation (EC) 2092/91, NOP, and JAS regarding a maximum field size in order to assure a minimum of biodiversity as a means to establish favourable conditions for ecological pest control and as a means to prevent soil erosion.

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Background

CERES faces the fact, that in several regions arable crops are grown on huge areas (sometimes up to 500 has in one plot) – a practice which definitely is not consistent with the principles of preventive pest control by enhancing populations of beneficial organisms or erosion control.

As the above-mentioned regulations do not define specific requirements in this respect, an internal policy needs to be defined.

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Normative framework

EU-regulation

Annex I. A.

2.1. The fertility and the biological activity of the soil must be maintained or increased…

3: Pests, diseases and weeds shall be controlled by a combination of the following measures:

… protection of natural enemies of pests through provisions favourable to them (e.g. hedges, nesting sites, …)

Only in cases of immediate threat to the crop may recourse be had to products referred to in Annex II.

NOP

§ 205.203 (a) The producer must select and implement … cultivation practices that maintain or improve the physical, chemical, and biological condition of soil and minimize soil erosion.

§ 205.206 (a) The producer must use management practices to prevent crop pests, weeds, and diseases including, but not limited to:

… (3) Cultural practices that enhance crop health,…

JAS

Notification 59, Art. 4: The productivity of the farmland shall be preserved and pro­moted only by …methods effectively utilizing biological functions of the organisms inhabiting … in the fields and in the circumference..

Control of noxious animal and plant in fields: To be executed … by cultivation methods…

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Terms

Hedges: Plant barrier composed of different trees and shrubs, providing favour­able conditions to natural enemies and reducing wind and/or water erosion through physical means. At least 2 m wide. Hedges should be diverse, concerning both species diversity and diversity of strata (herbal layer/shrubs/trees or high bushes). Native species are preferable to exotic plants.

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Policy

5.1

For areas with a high wind erosion risk, hedges have to be established within a maximum distance of 200 m crosswise to the prevailing winds. Maximum field size should not pass 20 hectares. Hedges should provide separation to neighbouring fields.

5.2

For areas with a low wind erosion risk, hedges have to be established within a maximum distance of 400 m crosswise to the prevailing winds. Maximum field size should not pass 40 hectares. Hedges should provide separation to neighbouring fields.

5.3

For perennial crops, where erosion control and favourable conditions for natural enemies are assured by a diversified soil covering vegetation (grasses/herbs or shrubs/trees) in the interrow spaces, no further requirements are needed.

5.4

Farms, for which this applies, have to present a time schedule for establishment of hedgerows. 20% progress should be achieved within 1 year, 50% within 3 years, and 90% within 5 years (re­lated to necessary length of hedges).

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Access to this policy

·          This policy is available to all interested public

·          It must be handed out to all CERES certification and inspection personnel

·          It must be submitted to all operators interested in organic crop certification, in regions, where the abovementioned conditions potentially occur.

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Related documents

·          CERES Policy on Buffer Zones