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An interview with Gilbert Garapin

1/ What reasons motivated your joining Groupe Frayssinet?

This didn't occur by pure chance of course, but it can rather be regarded as a scientific and professional outcome. Indeed, for over twenty years I have been involved in agronomic and environmental research which led me to investigate alternative systems of production that would integrate the action of organic molecules of natural origin to improve plant productions in respect for the natural habitat. Today the environmental situation is quite alarming and compels us not to keep on blaming the ones who generated it, but to quickly find new ways of taking the challenge to produce clean and safe feed and to respect natural and urban habitats. The commitment of Groupe Frayssinet in the directions of sustainable agronomic development and their involvement in research and innovation has thus become obvious fact to develop these new concepts of plant natural stimulation – Luc and Thierry Frayssinet's trust and commitment in this quite innovative project allowed us to make the necessary investments to launch this new range of natural liquid products that are being widely developed today.

2/ Could you tell us a little more about these new concepts of plant stimulation?

This new orientation originates from a mere principle "better prevent than cure"; apparently this is not original, but if you apply it to plants same as to the animal world which we are very close to, we can strengthen the life of plants submitted to climatic or sanitary stresses that are often harmful to quality and plant production. In other words, if chemistry has focussed on treating different plant pathologies (nutrition and protection) with all the well-known risks involved, this preventive concept allows us to place the plant within a balanced environment capable of optimizing its development and natural resistance. A 20 year partnership with University Research Centres has allowed us to discover natural molecules extracted from plants that strengthen plants in stressful situations.
Thus OSIRYL which is today the only accredited product as root growth stimulator and a new gamme ANTYS which improves plant resistance and nutrition by foliar application. This new approach means to be even more global since it integrates the plant in its own environment, from the pedoclimatological testing of the plot or field, to the set objectives of crop yields and quality.

Such technical achievement is a premiere in France as Groupe Frayssinet from now on, can offer professionals this new concept called AUTHENTIS.

3/ What are the benefits of this approach to professionals?

The AUTHENTIS charter we have been offering agriculturists but also green areas sectors, golf courses, soil and land planning sectors is a real trust agreement based on our expertise in agronomy and our partners' production objectives. From such expertise, our research pole can offer a soil/plant operation project that makes it possible by using organic fertilizers and plant stimulants, to obtain better management and control of the chemical and mineral inputs. According to the objectives, we can also offer directions toward organic agriculture. This innovative approach allows to reconcile production objectives with the preservation of the environment.

4/ Such a new way of dealing with crops and such innovative products are then going to replace protective and nutritive chemical treatments for plants?

Just like medicine, we need all the tools available to improve plant resistance and growth naturally with the aim first of all, to restrict applications of chemical products and fertilizers that obviously threaten our environment and health. Besides, this direction is part of the national programme for the reduction of phytosanitary products signed during Grenelle de l'environnment meetings.

5/ How do you foresee the prospects of product development with Groupe Frayssinet to meet the demands of the community?

Actually, the real challenge for the next coming years will be to supply the growing demand for food while preserving our environment and men's health by offering effective and harmless products. We have the technical means today to do so, although raw materials are becoming scarce, which means we have got to be innovative and keep on defending our organic fertilization trade. Our position of leaders and manufacturers together with the scientific expertise acquired in organic matters and their molecular compounds for over 20 years are undeniably the required assets to take up the challenge. This commitment is also a will power of the men and women with our Groupe who have been sharing the same passion for the trade and love passing it on.