IOBC-WPRS IP & IPM: Integrated Production Principles of IOBC
What is Integrated Production?
Integrated Production – is a concept of sustainable agriculture developed in 1976 which has gained international recognition and application. The concept is based on the use of natural resources and regulating mechanisms to replace potentially polluting inputs. The agronomic preventive measures and biological/physical/chemical methods are carefully selected and balanced taking into account the protection of health of both farmers and consumers and of the environment.
The principles and objectives of IP evolving during the 1980s have been compiled, analyzed and formulated by an IOBC panel of experts in 1992, and first published in 1993 (IOBC-WPRS Bull. Vol. 16 (1), 1993). The document and vision was updated in the 2nd edition of 1999 and in the 3rd Edition 2004).
The 2004 IOBC Standard for Integrated Production covers ecological, ethical and social aspects of agricultural production as well as aspects of food quality and safety. It is presently one of the highest international food production standards and unique in the way comprehensive sustainability ambitions are coupled with effective and practicable approaches on the farm. The current set of IP guidelines and related tools has proven helpful and inspirational for farmers’ organisations looking for a feasible way to work with integrated production in the premium food segment.
Integrated Production: Principles and Technical Guidelines, 3rd edition 2004. 50 pp. Edited by E.F. Boller, J. Avilla, E. Jörg, C. Malavolta, F. Wijnands & P. Esbjerg, IOBC WPRS Bull. Vol. 27 (2), 2004. ISBN 92-9067-163-5.
Green cover management in vineyards: Permanent supply of flowering plants as food sources for the vineyard fauna (© Agroscope).
