Bayer CropScience Forms Partnership with Reitzel Groupe

Posted by Matt Hopkins|18 February 2011

Bayer CropScience and Reitzel Groupe, an international food company located in Aigle/Switzerland, plan to expand their collaboration on the sustainable production of high-quality gherkins to all contract farmers of Reitzel India, according to a press release.

The aim of the project is to improve the yield and the quality of gherkins by developing and implementing good agricultural practices (GAP), and working on the frame of sustainable agriculture and food safety regulations, according to the companies.

“Contract farming with Reitzel technicians’ advice and Bayer agronomical support is considered to be the most appropriate method of growing gherkins,” commented Bernard Poupon, CEO of Reitzel Groupe in a prepared statement. “This supports growers in their efforts to market their goods locally and internationally.”

In this partnership, Bayer CropScience offers Reitzel and Indian farmers innovative crop protection solutions and technical expertise. In order to preserve natural resources, farmers have been advised and trained on GAP including modern cultivation methods, the safe use of crop protection products and improved water management, according to the release.

“Sustainable agriculture is vital to fulfill consumer’s expectation in terms of food freshness, quality, safety and traceability”, said Frank Garnier, CEO of Bayer CropScience France in a prepared statement. “The results of this successful partnership enable us to promote the food chain partnership approach in France, and to communicate this success to the key players.”