Background
In organic farming, the use of “Inputs” is strictly regulated. The term ‘input’ is a col-lective expression for the following substances: Fertilizers and soil conditioners, Plant protection products, Animal feed stuffs, Feed additives, certain substances used in animal nutrition and processing aids used in feeding stuffs and Products for cleaning and disinfection of livestock buildings and other installations.
For many producers and processors as well as inspection and certification bodies working in countries where the organic market is new and not yet well developed, the production and use of permitted agents, as well as the implementation of the Input List is a major challenge. Who is responsible for the Input List? Where do I get certified inputs from? Is this input I use (or produce) organic? May I use an input XYZ on my farm or in my processing unit? Collecting, compiling and publishing informa-tion related to inputs is very demanding and requires specific knowledge.
FiBL would like to share its 12 years of experience and knowledge in this domain in order to support actors in other countries to set up an input list for plant protection products and fertilizers.
Objective
After the training, the participant
- is acquainted with the relevant technical competences and skills and can use tools in order to setting up an input list for plant protection products and fertilizers,
- has established a first draft of a tailor made action plan for setting up an input list in his/ her country,
- is familiar with the organisation and the updating systems of the Swiss and European Input list.
Target Group
Representatives of Certification bodies directly involved in FiBL projects and respon-sible for establishment and/ or updating of input lists,
Consultants working in the domain of plant protection and/ or fertilization,
Representatives of (producer) organisations working in the field of organic agriculture.