JP Briand is a cherry tomato grower who invested in a new 3-hectare Greenhouse in 2015 as part of his family company, JPL Provence, and in partnership with Julie Vié (Earl Tomidi). It meets all the criteria of the ecoserre®, Rougeline's model for an ecological greenhouse.
A semi-enclosed greenhouse combined with a cogeneration unit, it is energy-efficient and equipped with all the tools needed to save on inputs while keeping the plant's environment under optimum control: insect-proof netting, PAD cooling, recycling of Nutrient solutions with UV disinfection, etc. JP Briand uses Grotop Master slabs measuring 10 cm high and 90 cm long. On each slab, he installs 3 plants in Plantop cubes, which he grows on two heads. "For me, the introduction of 10 cm-high slabs is a major development in the Grodan range," says JP Briand. "It's just as important as the introduction a few years ago of the Grotop Master and the double-layer substrate. With a 10cm-high slab, we can amplify the benefits of Grotop Master, in particular the quality of rooting and the ease with which the slab can be re-dried in winter. Although the characteristics of the substarte are not directly involved in the Zero Residue approach, they do affect the balance of the plant, an important factor in controlling the health of the crop. Initially, soilless farming was developed to avoid root system diseases. Today, with the evolution of technologies that control the greenhouse climate, and the development of BIP to prevent the invasion of bio-aggressors, the goal of zero pesticide use is within reach. Soilless farming may not be organic, but it can now do without chemical fungicides and insecticides." The Zero Residue approach is an obligation to achieve results, both for the consumer and for the environment. It requires a great deal of anticipation, which translates into more observations and interventions by better-trained staff. But we also need to ensure economic results. That's why, at the Rougeline Group level, Zero Waste corresponds to a segmentation of the offer. At Greenhouse level, the approach is a strong commitment on the part of the growers, who reserve the right to opt out of the approach in the event of a major problem.
