Implementation and analysis of compliance to integrated strawberry production of Alfredo Vasconcelos – MG

Abstract

Minas Gerais is the largest strawberry producer in Brazil. The adoption of the certification of integrated strawberry production (PIMo) would result in the commercialization of safe and quality products. The objective of this work was to implement and analyze the compliance level of the family farmers of Cooperativa Agropecuária de Alfredo Vasconcelos - MG (COOPRAV) to PIMo, aiming at certification and obtaining the quality seal. A project "Integrated Strawberry Production: Towards Certification" was prepared with the objective of adapting the farm and process to the Specific Technical Standards for Integrated Strawberry Production. The project followed three procedures: 1) workshops including theoretical and practical training; 2) monthly technical attendance; 3) participatory audits. During the workshops, there was a great demand for knowledge related to pest and diseases management and pesticide application technology. In the technical attendance, it was possible to adapt the structures of the property to the standards of the PIMo, as well as proposing the use of the field book and good agricultural practices that allowed gains in productivity. During the participatory audits, ten non-conformities were identified, which were adequate to meet the standards. Six properties were considered suitable for use the PIMo seal and the cooperative reached a production potential of 121,700 kg of certified strawberries, with a reduction of 80% in the use of fungicides, 70% in the use of insecticides and substantial gains related to the organization properties with to the places for storing pesticides and strawberry packaging.