HOMEWhat measures have you taken to limit the use of fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides?
In 2014, the cooperative created a unique cover crop platform in Castétis, where different combinations, varieties and species are tested in various weather conditions (ryegrass, oats, mixed grains, pulses) over two hectares. The crops are planted as intercrops, i.e. in between two main crops, for agronomic and environmental purposes. They protect against soil erosion by limiting runoff and combat certain types of pollution, particularly by capturing nitrogen in the soil and fertilising it by adding organic matter.
Euralis is also actively involved in the national SYPPRE project, led by technical institutes including Arvalis, ITB, and Terres Innovia. It aims to support farmers in transitioning towards new production systems that combine agronomy and ecology as part of its sustainable development plan.
https://syppre.fr/terres-humiferes-du-bearn/
Euralis is also developing Opti’Ag, which guides farmers toward precision agriculture so they can benefit the most, both economically and environmentally. Opti’Ag Sol is a ground scanner and satellite monitoring solution. It draws up soil maps to adjust deep fertilising and sowing density and manage the application of nitrogen fertilisers.
What are you doing to promote the development of biodiversity?
Euralis is a member of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative platform. This internationally renowned process encompasses the three CSR pillars: environmental protection (energy management, waste and greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, water and air management, soil and fertiliser management, use of plant protection products/PPP), economic management (operational management, access to markets and economic viability) and social management (local communities, working conditions, health & safety). The process is a well-established reference: the SAI platform boasts around one hundred members, including large-scale companies in the agrifood industry, such as Unilever, Heineken, Mondelez and Nestlé. It promotes a joint approach to sustainable agricultural practices and helps meet the expectations of clients and consumers.