Sustainability

Mazzoni company is a leader in the agro-food industry and for over 60 years stands out on the Italian and foreign markets for the constant and perpetual analysis of the consumer needs that are more and more inclined to the consumption of “natural products”, in recent years. By the end the concept of sustainability is accompanying and will accompany more and more commercial strategies within Mazzoni group with the goal of always offering quality and healthy products,  cultivated on its territory and in suitable areas, while respecting and protecting the environment. Mazzoni has been able to capitalize on all these aspects aware of the best practices of energy conservation, proper waste management and the rational use of water. Dynamism and experience in this trade enabled a perfect combination of the concept of sustainability and business practices. “For those who do not share the crop experience and and are not used to visit Mazzoni warehouses and packing houses cannot perceive the huge investments in technology and human resources for the protection of sustainable agriculture, during the last 15 years” declares Sergio Trevisan import-export top manager. Nursery research managed by the company focused on fruit and vegetable species, no OGM, which require a low use of chemical interventions, thus reducing the environmental and the food chain impact. The farms within the Mazzoni group work in respect of the integrated production procedures which combine the best university knowledge and experimental experience of technical experts in the field who apply organic farming practices, whenever possible. Photovoltaic  systems were installed to produce clean energy for conditioning and refrigerating operations. Storage systems are the latest generation and in the cells is possible to create a controlled and/or dynamic atmosphere  which guarantee maximum conservation, food safety and shelf life of the products. Also, Mazzoni preserves the workers’rights through suitable, healthy and safe work environment with respect of the legislation on prevention and safety in the workplace.  MV

The Brazilian farmers have put into place well organised initiatives to implement strict environmental measures for sustainable growth.  
Such measures include major reduction in the use of pesticides, as well as microbiological controls in processed food, such as “salmonella”. One of the companies associated with IBRAF, Caliman Agrícola S.A. is continuously looking at new initiatives to reduce the creation and emission of pollutants and works closely with the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Recyclable Natural Resources and with Universities in order to improve the quality of life of human beings and the environment.
Agrofruit Internacional do Brasil Ltda. (Global Fruit) is also focused on a treatment system for the industrial liquids, whose goal is to accurately control emission levels of pollutants. The company has launched a “zero waste” program to make the most of raw materials which are being recycled as organic fertilizer.
Conservation of water has become a key point of discussion among farmers as they are conscious that thanks to technology, they have increased yields and at the same time reduced water consumption. Some examples are Miranda Exp. e Imp. (Irmãos Molon Ltda.) which recycles rainwater, besides using the solid and liquid residual that the company initially produces.  Carbon emission is another hot subject within the IBRAF.  All solid waste from Predilecta Alimentos is used for animals, oxidising or lining agricultural feed. The production of waste water is treated by anaerobic ponds with biological webs and geo-membranes before being released into the St. Lawrence River. The solid fuel boiler has a cyclone filter to separate the solid material making the exhaust gases from the combustion process less toxic. The use of eucalyptus as a source of energy means that not only does it produce less carbon dioxide when burnt but also generates oxygen as it matures. Investment in technology has been considerable for IBRAF members, as most of them have submitted to the Global Gap, TESCO for fresh products and to HACCP/ APPC for processed food. Furthermore, they have had to learn to adapt to different rules and regulations for each of their new export markets.

The conference was part of the GLOBALG.A.P. Tour 2013, which already included many stops such as Spain and South Africa. The next stops will be in Miyazaki City, Japan, and Bucharest, Romania. Previously, only one conference a year was held, but these days a GLOBALG.A.P. tour is organized with stops all over the world. GLOBALG.A.P. chairman Guy Callebaut explains that the regional conferences are a good source of information. “They give us the chance to feel what’s going on in the industry.” The conference is also a preparation for the standard’s new version in 2015, so the opinion of those involved can be taken into account. The new standard concentrates on feasibility and realism.  
GLOBALG.A.P. is continuously on the move to meet its goal: to adapt to the customers’ changing expectations and demands. Guy Callebaut: “Sustainability and food safety are not static concepts.” This is why Kristian Moeller, GLOBALG.A.P.’s managing director, stresses the importance of the National Technical Working Groups. These working groups provide translations and interpretations of the standards (adaptations to specific law in a country), benchmarking and something very important: feedback. Kristian Moeller: “The National Technical Working Groups are the core of the organization. GLOBALG.A.P. is driven by the countries.” Kristian Moeller signals that nowadays the customers’ expectations also include the need to be informed. “GLOBALG.A.P. offers a network for reliable information and there is a story of good agricultural practice to tell.”
Add-on modules for tailored certification
Like all organizations, GLOBALG.A.P. is increasingly confronted with social issues. Sustainability is a large part of this. For primary production, this specifically means the responsible use of raw materials and means of production, animal welfare and socially responsible employment, for example. The chairman of this organization operating worldwide mentions the GRASP add-on module as one of the key focal points for 2014. The GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practice defines the minimum requirements for good social management in primary production. The GLOBALG.A.P.+ Add-On module allows tailored certification for specific needs. More add-on modules are in place and can be developed upon request. Kristian Moeller emphasizes the importance of the one-stop-audit. “One audit covers all aspects.”
Private/public
partnership
Guy Callebaut is also clear on the scope: this is pre-farm gate. The standard focuses solely on primary production. For further links in the chain, other systems like IFS or BRC are in place. This evidently calls for a connection with these programs. Kristian Moeller: “It’s time to cooperate with other standards.” Not only is there communication with other standards; governmental organizations are also seeking cooperation. Kristian Moeller: “We are seeking private/public partnerships. For example, in Florida we have seen combined GLOBALG.A.P. and governmental audits.” The Dutch NVWA (food authority) is looking at systems for self-control for food safety because they lack the capacity to supervise all the producers. Hans Beuger of NVWA says transparency is very important in their considerations. The NVWA has determined that the standard must cover European regulations, and they are seeking a public/private partnership. Judging the standard could be a way to shape the supervision. MW