In Geneva, examples of high-tech farming and sustainable practices impress the Director-General

Geneva - FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, today visited the Union Maraîchère de Genève (UMG), a cooperative of 31 vegetable farmers, where sustainable practices have been adopted throughout the line of production, including farming, processing, packaging and marketing.

The tour included a walk through the state-of-the-art packing facilities. Automated systems efficiently sorted, washed, and packed the produce, ensuring that each fruit and vegetable met the highest standards of quality.

“Swiss farmers are pioneering in integrating sustainability in their work, which coincides with FAO’s motto of producing more with less. FAO will continue working with national government to nudge more conducive business environment for local farmers to thrive,” the Director-General said,  reiterating  FAO’s commitment to farmers during the visit.

Founded in 1949, UMG unites vegetable producers from the Canton of Geneva and ensures the marketing of their production. Its 31 members work hand in hand to cultivate over 100 types of vegetables and small fruits throughout the seasons. Passionate about their land and their craft, UMG's farmers blend ancestral know-how with innovative spirit.

Each year, UMG members grow 30,000 tonnes of vegetables, accounting for 80 percent of Geneva's production, making them the largest tomato growers in Switzerland. UMG contributes to the local economy with a turnover of 100 million Swiss francs and employs over 600 workers.

The farmers of the cooperative adhere to stringent Swiss federal and cantonal regulations, ensuring that their practices are both environmentally friendly and socially responsible. The cooperative's commitment to three core priorities—health, quality, and respect for people and the environment—provide the basis of every aspect of their operations.

Also as part of his visit to Geneva this week, the FAO Director-General later proceeded to the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne (EPFL) where he held a bilateral meeting with the President of EPFL  Martin Vetterli,. Founded in 1969, the institution boasts nearly 18,000 students and employees, and its researchers are among the 1 percent most cited in their fields globally. At EPFL, Qu visited the The EPFL EssentialTech Centre, which develops sustainable and scalable solutions to address unmet needs, notably in low-income and vulnerable contexts. The work at EssentialTech Centre is aligned with the  Sustainable Development Goals. Working from concept definition to technology transfer, the Centre’s core activities include systems engineering, contextual guidance and developing sustainable business models for the projects.

“Science-based solutions are key for the achievement of agrifood systems transformation. FAO is willing to join hands with key research and education partners such as EPFL to ensure that research outcomes in the lab can be transformed into sound and sustainable development in the domain of agriculture and food security, ” the Director-General said during his meeting with Vetterli, highlighting FAO’s readiness to work side by side with universities.

Qu’s visit later included Domain des Mattines, a farm owned by the Blondin family since 1814 and a member of the UMG cooperative. The Blondin family has a long history of innovation in farming, and their commitment to quality is unparalleled. The farm's vegetables are grown under cover to protect them from external threats, allowing consistent production quality throughout the season, regardless of weather conditions.

Protective covers not only shield the crops but also promote the development of beneficial insects that guard against pests. Additionally, the farm employs computerized climate management to minimize the risk of fungal diseases. By growing their crops off the soil, they avoid the use of herbicides and eliminate soil-related diseases and nematode problems.

The operations at Domain des Mattines reflect the cooperative's dedication to optimal quality and freshness throughout the season.

Qu emphasised how UMG's dedication to sustainable agriculture and innovation stands out as a model for other farming cooperatives worldwide. Their practices demonstrate the importance of supporting sustainable methods in agriculture to ensure future generations can enjoy healthy and high-quality produce.

The visit highlighted UMG's and the Polytechnic’s impressive achievements and served as an inspiration for the global agricultural community to embrace sustainable practices, innovation, and respect for the environment and people.