Rationalising inputs on citrus fruit and mango trees on Reunion Island: The first step - establishment of agri-environmental measures

摘要

Since 1997, a pilot agri-environmental measures scheme (MAE in French) has been carried out on Reunion Island. The objective is to encourage producers to reduce the amounts of fertiliser and plant protection product inputs, in line with a pre-defined list of specifications. The choice of citrus fruit and mango trees was based upon previously-acquired knowledge of pests and beneficials present on these species as well as the defined damage thresholds. The MAE contract specifies that farmers must carry out leaf and soil analyses, control weeds and choose products from a selected list found in the appendix to the contract, and must base treatments on established intervention thresholds. Technical coaching for farmers is provided by the way of practical crop monitoring guides, specific training as well as weekly technical visits carried out by Chamber of Agriculture technicians. The results of a survey of all contracted farmers show that this action has helped to increase their awareness of environmental issues, although a certain degree of non-compliance with certain commitments has been observed. Finally, studies of beneficial fauna and product residues in fruit highlights the practice where there is still room for improvement.