STK bio-ag technologies, the innovative Israel-based leader in bio-ag technology for sustainable crop protection and aquaculture, has hosted a group of 13 top wine growers and crop protection experts from France who are learning about botanical-based and  hybrid technologies for sustainable grape growing for the creation of high quality French wines, champagnes and cognacs.

 

Effective September 1, 2018 all neonicotinoid pesticides have been banned from use in France, because they are believed to be killing the bee population. New French law also makes it illegal to use any chemical pesticide in any park or public place after 2020, punishable by a 30,000 Euro fine and 6 months in jail.  According to the Telegraph (Henry Samuel, August 31, 2018, Paris), France is the first country in Europe to ban all five pesticides researchers believe are killing off the insects. Consequently, wine growers in France are in search of new tools for sustainable crop protection.

 

STK VP R&D and business development Shay Shanan commented, “STK is happy to have welcomed these top French wine growers and crop protection experts.  STK’s botanical-based biopesticides and hybrid products are currently providing sustainable solutions for growers in over 30 countries, and there is no doubt these technologies can help growers in France to comply with the new regulatory environment and continue to provide their customers with the highest quality wines,  with less  chemical residues. For new users of biological products, Timorex Gold and REGEV are highly recommended, especially for wine grapes, for the control of Botrytis and Powdery Mildew.  REGEV is  a new hybrid product with a very easy approach, applied in exactly the same way as the growers’ current chemical pesticides, with no mixing, resulting in much lower residue levels and much better resistance management .”