While Fita is committed to minimizing pesticide use, we face the real and ongoing challenge of pest infestations in Rwanda. One tricky pest is the false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta), a notorious threat to many crops, including chillies and tomatillos. Other common pests, such as South African grasshoppers (pictured), aphids, whiteflies, and fruit flies, also pose significant risks to our produce's quality and yield.
For Rwandan farmers, including those growing for Fita, these pests can devastate crops, making pest management a crucial necessity. Without effective intervention, these infestations can lead to substantial economic losses, mainly when exporting to high-value markets like the UK, where quality standards are stringent. Importing pest-infested crops risks rejection at the port and can damage our reputation and market access.
Striking the right balance between effective pest control and sustainable pesticide use is critical for Fita. On one hand, we are determined to ensure our crops are free of harmful residues and do not harm beneficial species like pollinators. On the other hand, completely eliminating pesticide use is not feasible in the face of severe pest pressures, especially when farming in tropical climates like Rwanda's.
Our approach is to adopt integrated pest management (IPM), which allows us to combine natural methods—such as biological controls and habitat management—with the judicious use of chemical pesticides when necessary. This ensures that we can meet export standards, avoid the presence of pests in our products, and continue to deliver high-quality produce without compromising our commitment to environmental sustainability.
In short, pests are a significant and very real problem in Rwanda. While we aim to minimize pesticide use, we must also address the need to protect our crops from pests that threaten yields and market access. Balancing these competing priorities is key to Fita's strategy for long-term success.
A Brief History: Why Fita is Taking Hard Action on Pesticides
Fita's firm stance on pesticide usage stems from a series of challenges and lessons learned during the early phases of our business. Initially, we faced significant setbacks when pesticide residues were flagged in our fresh chilli exports by Defra & Portsmouth Environmental Health. This issue threatened our reputation and raised serious concerns about food safety and environmental sustainability. Moreover, as an entire batch of chilli has to be destroyed, it severely harms our income.
As we expanded our operations in Rwanda, it became clear that improper pesticide use—either through incorrect application rates or the use of banned chemicals—could undermine our ethical values and business objectives. The impact on pollinators, soil health, and water contamination was another critical factor driving our need for stronger action. Additionally, consumer demand for sustainably grown, pesticide-free produce, especially in the European and UK markets, further highlighted the importance of aligning our practices with global safety standards.
We adopted a zero-tolerance policy on incorrect pesticide usage to maintain our competitive edge and uphold our environmental responsibility. This includes using natural pesticides where possible, carefully monitoring pesticide use within our facilities, and vetting external suppliers to ensure they meet our strict standards. Any violation removes suppliers from our network, ensuring we only work with partners who share our commitment to safe, sustainable agriculture.
Fita's Strategy for Dealing with Incorrect Pesticide Usage
Fita is committed to ensuring that all agricultural practices align with environmental sustainability and food safety standards. The following strategy outlines how we handle pesticide use within our operations and in collaboration with external suppliers:
- Use of Own Growing Facilities:
- Fita prioritizes growing its produce in controlled environments to monitor pesticide use adequately.
- Records of all pesticide applications are meticulously maintained, detailing the type, amount, and usage timing for transparency and compliance.
- Use of Natural and Non-Invasive Pesticides:
- Where possible, we use non-invasive natural pesticides for pollinators and other beneficial species. These include options like Neem oil, Spinosad, and biocontrol agents like Beauveria bassiana.
- We follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to minimize chemical use and promote a healthier ecosystem within our farming operations.
- Vetting External Suppliers:
- For externally sourced produce, Fita requires comprehensive testing of all purchased products to detect pesticide residues.
- We also check farm logs provided by suppliers to verify the types of pesticides used, application rates, and adherence to best practices.
- Non-Compliant Suppliers:
- Any supplier found to be using prohibited or harmful pesticides or misapplying them will be placed on a list of producers we will not work with.
- Fita maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward pesticide misuse that threatens food safety, the environment, or pollinator populations.
- Education and Support:
- To foster responsible farming practices, we work with our suppliers to educate them on the importance of correct pesticide usage and encourage the transition to more sustainable methods where possible.
This proactive approach ensures that Fita meets the highest sustainability, food safety, and environmental protection standards while maintaining strong relationships with responsible suppliers.
In summary, Fita's hard stance on pesticide use is not just a business decision but a response to real risks in our early operations. Our actions are driven by the need to protect consumer health, safeguard the environment, and ensure long-term business success.
Read Our White Paper On Pesticide Usage In Rwanda (Written Sept 2024)
