Organic wine makers do not use synthetic fungicides. In order to keep organic wine free of such substances, pesticide drift from neighbouring conventional vineyards must be prevented. A pilot study by FiBL shows the dimensions of the problematic. A factsheet provides detailed practical advice:
The use of DDT and related substances (so-called organochlorine pesticides) were prohibited long ago. However, traces of these substances can still be found in many soils. This has no effect on most crops, however, cucurbits (cucumbers, courgettes, pumpkins etc.) tend to accumulate these substances from the soil, which is why residues can still be found in these crops. The following factsheet shows how risk assessments may be carried out in advance.
Pests such as the mealworm beetle and rice beetle are problematic if present in grain storage facilities and silos. Conventional cereals are treated with storage protection agents if necessary; however this is not permitted for organic cereals. Organic grain must be stored in separate silo cells from conventional grain. However, conventional grain is often stored in adjacent cells of the same silo. Studies carried out by FiBL have shown under what circumstances polluted dusts can cause contamination of organic grains. Best practices on how to store organic cereals in silos have been published in the respective Bio Suisse checklist. In addition, FiBL has issued a factsheet describing the best options for pest control.
