Methods of Farming

At Frootogo we are proud to employ many modern farming practices that allow us to produce top quality produce, whilst minimizing the impact on the environment.

Integrated Pest Management:

One way we are able to do this, is through implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM).  The objective of IPM is to achieve an acceptable level of pest control while keeping use of pesticides to a minimum and to limit negative impacts on the environment. 

IPM incorporates mechanical, biological, and cultural components.  Through regular monitoring in our orchards we determine the level of disease and insects present.  Using this information we only spray when economic threshold is reached.  Furthermore, in an IPM program, we use materials and methods that are the least harmful to benefical insects, in order that they help to keep the 'bad' bugs out. 

Also using weather data and insect development models, we are better able to time a single effective treatment for some pest, compared to years ago when farmers were without this data and had to regularilly follow a calender for frequent treatments to stay protected.

Other IPM methods range from use of crop rotation, pest specific traps/barriers, cultural methods, etc. A good example of how we control some of our pear and apple pests is by removing the lush summer growth called suckers.  This removes a main food source for many pests and it is a practice whereby we remove the growth - ripping it out by hand.  Another example, is keeping our tree rows mowed and keeping under the trees clean.  This helps because pests such as Dogwood Borer, love to be in areas where they are protected with tall weeds, and lush growth close to the tree bark.

Environmental Farm Plan:

Another program we have been involved with is the Ontario Environmental Farm Plan (EFP).  This program is a voluntary environmental education and awareness program delivered by the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition.

Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are assessments voluntarily prepared by farm families to increase their environmental awareness in up to 23 different areas on their farm. Through the EFP local workshop process, farmers will highlight their farm's environmental strengths, identify areas of environmental concern, and set realistic action plans with time tables to improve environmental conditions. Environmental cost-share programs are available to assist in implementing projects.

To date, Frootogo is proud in having attended and completed 2 EFP plans, the most recent being in 2008.