Criterias of organic farming of gebana

Whole-farm approach

In gebana’s organic farming

• the entire agricultural holding is managed to organic standards. Holdings which include conventional livestock enterprises or plots which are not under organic management are not approved.
• an agricultural holding is binding the whole of the lands, buildings, equipment, and workforce with one farm operation centre.

Fertilizer use

Prescriptive fertilizer limits per hectare and year must be adhered to (according to Bio Standards EU and CH). The use of synthetic fertilizers and peat for soil improvement is prohibited.

Areas dedicated to the enhancement of biodiversity

At least 7% of the producer’s agricultural area must be dedicated to the promotion of biodiversity. Examples for eligible areas are unfertilized, species-rich permanent pastures and meadows, hedges, copses, and riparian woodlands, ditches, ponds, peatlands and stone mounds.

Reproductive material and transplants

In gebana’s organic farming

• undressed conventional reproductive material may be used only if the inspection body has established that organic material is unavailable.
• the use of chemically dressed reproductive material is prohibited.
• organic reproductive material must be used for crops which in the country in question are also grown as GMO.
• transplants grown as annual crops must be certified organic.

Plant protection

The use of bioherbicides and growth regulators is prohibited. The use of copper preparations is subject to restrictions (according to Bio Standards). In the production of cereals, legumes, or oilseeds the use of copper- and sulphur-based products is not permitted.

Crop rotation

In gebana’s organic farming

• the crop rotation must include a minimum of 20% soil building crops (e.g. grain legumes, green manure, leys etc.).
• a cover crop must be established on at least 50% of the open tillage area to ensure a green cover outside of the growing season.
• there has to be at least a one year break between two main crops of the same species for annual crops (exception: rice).
• the maximum share in the rotation are 67% for grain legumes, rice, or cereals, and 50% for wheat or maize.

Clearing and burning

Clear-felling of virgin forests (primary and secondary) or the burning of sites (pre- or post-harvest) are prohibited.

Trade and processing

gebana’s products are shipped to Switzerland by surface or sea transport (air transport is prohibited). Storage and processing are compliant with the Bio Standards.