ZERO WASTE PRODUCTS

The concept of “ Zero Residue ” implies the need to reach the end of the crop with a residue level below the established maximum residue limits and with a quantity of detectable chemical substances that comply with legislation. However, the way we arrive at this concept changes, since in the organic alternative all inputs must be organic (therefore, it is assumed that there will be no detectable residue at the end of the crop). However, in Zero Residue crops , the inputs do not need to be organic, although the part dedicated to crop protection must carefully control the safety periods so that the active ingredients are below the MRLs (Maximum Residue Limits) established by Europe (or by the supermarkets themselves).

The common ground between organic farming and Zero Waste is clearly a commitment to sustainability, working with the ecosystem rather than against it. The main similarity between these two production methods is that both must reach the consumer without any residues (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc.). However, producing with an organic certification entails more restrictions, such as the prohibition of synthetic insecticides and fungicides; all must be of natural origin. Similarly, fertilizers must be organic, not mineral- based . Herbicides are also prohibited.

In Zero Residue products , the only regulation is that the final product must be residue-free . This means that herbicides can be used in the same way as in conventional farming (as long as there are no herbicide residues in the harvest), just as conventional fertilization with mineral fertilizers is permitted. So, can synthetic plant protection products be used in Zero Residue farming? The answer is " yes ." The challenge lies in how and when to apply them to ensure the harvest is residue-free. To achieve this, it's crucial to understand the degradation of plant protection products and at which phenological stages of the crop they can be applied. Of course, plant protection products permitted in organic farming can also be used.

Farmers who are able to manage their crops using Zero Residue methods will be able to export their products or sell them to large retailers, where residue controls are stricter than in local or conventional markets. This usually also translates into increased profitability.

The final consumer will not notice the difference, at an organoleptic level, between a product that is grown using Organic or Zero Waste management; the flavor or color of the final product may be due to a set of factors (climate, soil, rootstock, crop variety, etc.).

On the other hand, many Zero Waste products contain active ingredients currently classified as non-ecological due to their origin, yet they leave no harmful residues in the environment. This is where all these Zero Waste solutions come into play , complementing the action of conventional products and, in many cases, even replacing them.

Although organic farming is a very interesting path, the truth is that not all areas are so favorable for doing without conventional inputs, and for that reason we must use certified Zero Residue products that allow us to keep our crops in the best conditions.

Most agricultural inputs used in zero-waste farming are typically made from raw materials of natural origin.