Together with its partners Micropep, AsclepiosTech, Maf Roda, the engineering school of Purpan and the National Institute for Agricultural, Food and Environmental Research (INRAE), the Blue Whale producers’ association will present the major agro-ecological transition project for the French apple industry in Berlin: (Re)Generation Fruit.
“Our aim is to promote the ecological transition of the sector by working to maintain production levels and reduce the use of pesticides,” explains Bruno Bertheloz, Director of Blue Whale. “We are convinced that technological innovation will allow us to evolve”.
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The consortium has until 2028 to validate methods and innovations to achieve the following goals:
• Improve soil life through adapted agro-ecological practices.
• Boost plants’ natural defences against pests.
• Reduce the use of phytosanitary products by up to 50%.
• Reduction of fruit losses, from the orchard to the plate.
• Produce fruit with a higher nutrient content for a healthier effect.
• Proposals for more sensible forms of production that respect the entire ecosystem and ensure the sustainability of orchards.
The work will be carried out in experimental centres in the south-west of France and in the Loire Valley. The partners will meet regularly to share progress and a dedicated website will be set up for the project from December 2023. At the end of these five years of research, the results will be made available to the public.
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(Re)Regeneration Fruit, which was launched nationally in Montauban, France, in September 2023, will be presented to an international trade audience at Fruit Logistica in Berlin. Blue Whale’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Christelle Bertin, will lead the presentation, which will take place on Wednesday 7 February at 15:00 in the Fresh Produce Forum, Hall 23.
“It is very important for us to involve all links in the chain in this project,” says Christelle Bertin. “Our customers are already implementing targeted CSR plans. Through (Re)generation Fruit, we as their producers and business partners can help them achieve their goals. That’s why continuous communication and collaboration with all stakeholders is crucial for us,” explains Bertin.
