ORGANIC MATTERS Living soil is the basis of the organic farm: free from toxic chemicals for at least three years, and enriched by compost and other organic matter. The concept is simple: vigorous plants resist insects, weeds and diseases better than those under stress due to repeated chemical applications. By working with nature to create a diverse farm ecosystem, Agrocel produces optimal growing conditions. Seed management -by selection of the most suitable GM Free variety of cotton. Soil management - increasing soil fertility and moisture holding capacity as well, by sowing green manuring crops before cotton crops. Water management - promotion of drip irrigation systems which save more than 60 % of water, improves the quality of the crop, and also limits reproduction of harmful insects. It also allows better weed control as water and nutrient are fully available for the crop Nutrient Management - With portable soil analysis kits, Agrocel field officers are able to identify exactly the nutrient requirement, and work with the farmers in making best use of organic manure. Pest Management - The field is a bug-eat-bug world, in which a "natural enemy complex" of predator and parasite insects keeps pests in check. Agrocel Field Officers with the farmers monitor the insect population, and calculate the ETL ( Economic Threshold Level ). Based on that information they prescribe the use of organic or natural pesticides. Overall management - Agrocel keeps full records of the above , as well as data of production and quality of cotton . These documents are available to any certification agency. AGROCEL® CROP 2002 WILL BE CERTIFIED BY SKAL For more information about Skal certification standards visit www.skal.nl