Tomatoes - Benfica do Ribatejo, Portugal
Resources
Water use
Benfica do Ribatejo’s tomato crop is watered only by drip irrigation, allowing for a more precise method of water application. Over the last 10 years this has meant that water usage has been cut by over 50%, resulting in increased yields due to the plants water requirements being properly managed.
Effective irrigation systems enable the farm to produce high yield of quality products while reducing unnecessary water use and saving costs.
Water and soil quality
Benfica do Ribatejo’s irrigation water can be tested and sampled for levels of pesticide and nitrogen. Undetected high levels will increase the risk of consumer health issues and by ensuring water sources are safe prior to use on the crop, food safety is increased. The farm may also be required to provide a soil sample which is then tested for heavy metal levels. The Grower Organisation is contracted by the processor to have one soil test for every 10,000 tonnes of tomato delivered to the factory although the organisation is exceeding this requirement and conducting further soil analysis.
Water and soil analysis ensures chemical levels are safe for human consumption and minimise environmental impact