Agricultural production methods
Integrated production
Integrated production method means more natural and consumer-friendly farming which produces high quality crops by using fertilisers and prescribed plant protection products in a controlled manner. The production is free from GMOs, while regular crop analysis and certification gives consumers assurance that the products meet quality standards and are healthy and safe. Integrated production in Slovenia includes arable crops, fruits, grapes and vegetables. Production technology, control procedures and labelling methods are laid down by rules, while the supervision of the operation of control and certification organisations is carried out by the Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia for Agriculture, Forestry and Food.
Organic farming
Organic farming is a farming method that respects natural life cycles and minimises human impact on the environment. The use of highly soluble mineral fertilisers, pesticides, GMOs and GMO-derived products as well as various growth regulators is prohibited. Such a production method provides high-quality and safe food with a high nutritional value. In addition, organic farming allows sustainable management of non-renewable natural resources and rearing adapted to animal species and breeds. In the organic farming system, a continuous and transparent control of the production and processing is ensured in the "farm to fork" chain. Due to the importance of organic farming, various financial supports have also been provided to this area under the Rural Development Programme.
What is cross-compliance?
One of the tools to ensure the respect of farming standards is cross-compliance. This is a set of minimum requirements for the protection of the environment, animal and human health and animal welfare, which must be respected by all farmers receiving payments under the measures of the common agricultural policy. Cross-compliance is not intended to reduce payments to beneficiaries but, above all, to inform beneficiaries that certain requirements are to be respected. Nevertheless, in case of possible infringements, CAP payments are reduced and, in exceptional cases such as severe, deliberate or repeated non-compliance, even withdrawn.