Potatoes - Farm Frites, Poland
Executive Summary
Since it was first established, Farm Frites Poland has proven itself as a company responsive to changing industry requirements and eager to establish best practice in Poland.
This summary outlines the key examples of good practice in each of the main areas covered in the case study.
Key areas of good practice:
Inputs
- A wide array of technology has enabled Farm Frites to maximise yield and quality while ensuring that agrochemicals and fertilisers are only applied where needed. Through soil analysis and the annual calibration of their spraying equipment accurate field applications are ensured.
Resources
- Water management is an important environmental consideration and Farm Frites has invested in a centre-pivot irrigation system that increases the efficiency of water usage, and which also has a beneficial impact on potato yields and quality. Combined with pollution control at three points along the river, the farm can be assured its operations do not affect local water quality.
Additional areas of good practice:
Staff
- There is no minimum salary requirement for casual staff in Poland. To ensure fair remuneration Farm Frites electively decided to pay its casual staff the same hourly rates as a full time Polish employee.
Management
- Farm Frites is the first Polish potato farm to attain EurepGAP (now GlobalGAP) certification which covers wide-ranging policies in the areas of food quality and safety, environmental standards and worker welfare. Through Farm Frites’ support, 65% of its contract-grown potatoes are also from GlobalGAP certified farms.
Operations
- Farm Frites continue to explore potential improvements in their farming approach and through a 2007 field trial found that the energy-intensive de-stoning that is usually undertaken is not essential. This has opened up the possibility for savings in fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, staff time and machinery renewal.
Outputs
- Its impressive storage facilities for 50,000 tonnes of potatoes help maximise quality and yield at harvest. Any products that do not meet specifications are used by other local business thereby ensuring nothing is wasted.
Community
- Farm Frites has invested in a wide range of local projects, making it a valuable member of the community.