Mineral Fertilizer Use and the Environment International Fertilizer Industry Association United Nations Environment Programme

10.1. Integrated farming
“Integrated farming” or in French “Agriculture
raisonnée” is the combination of farming
practices - including the use of rotations,
cultivation, choice of variety and skillful, precise
use of fertilizers and crop protection products -
with measures to preserve and protect the
environment. The best combination must be
specific to each farm.
The concept is based on the German model
(FIP) founded in 1987. In the UK LEAF (Linking
Environment and Farming) has support from the
government, farming groups, research
organizations, the fertilizer industry,
environmental campaign groups and consumer
organizations. In France, FARRE, the “Forum de
l’agriculture raisonnée respectueuse de

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Mineral Fertilizer Use and the Environment
10.3. Ferti-Mieux
In France, in 1980, the French government
established COMIFER, the “Comité français
d’étude et de développement de la fertilisation
raisonnée”, whose objective is to promote rational
fertilization “fertilisation raisonnée”, making use
of all scientific, technical and practical means. It is
composed of representatives of public authorities
and educational establishments, farmers’
organizations, fertilizer producers and
distributors.
“Ferti-Mieux” defines the steps to be taken in
order to obtain, in a given catchment area, a
progressive change in agricultural practices which
would minimize the risk of polluting water.
Participation is voluntary. It is based on a
consensus, on a national basis, between the
Ministry of Agriculture, the farmers’ associations,
the fertilizer associations, other Ministries etc.,
and at the local level, between farmers, advisors,
consumers, water agencies etc.
An approved Ferti-Mieux operation, which
respects the guidelines, is recognized by a label,
which is attributed, for one or two years, by three
different national bodies. The label provides a
guarantee, for farmers, advisors, financial bodies
and the general public.