THE COOPERATIVE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

   
   One of the objectives of the cooperative SCJ Coop. V. Algemesí is the improvement of habitat and biodiversity.
   To meet this goal, we include the practice of integrated pest management and the wise use of plant protection products, without losing sight of the priority areas for conservation.
   The geographic scope of operation of our Cooperative are towns in vulnerable areas to water pollution by nitrates. That is why at the time of fertilization programs, we adjust them to the orders of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food that are being published.
Similarly, in order to conserve biodiversity and prevent pollution, the technician service of the cooperative, periodically installs a series of traps in different parts of the town to follow the evolution of pests. It is also a usual practice, the installation of “Mosqueros” (Fly Traps) for the monitoring and mass trapping of Ceratitis capitata (flies or fruit).
Within the program of good agricultural practices, we have established measures for reducing environmental impact, taking into account the application of pesticides and in a very special way, the use of fertilizers, as we noted above.
   There is a strict control for the only use of pesticides in accordance with the legally approved and included in the NATURANE  and GLOBALGAP regulations for each crop. All treatments are recorded in all cultivation information sheets provided to farmers.
   The plant protection treatments will be done during a specified period, as stipulated by the cooperative, based on the control of pests.
   By leaf, soil and water analysis, we reduce the maximum dose of nitrogen fertilizer and never exceed the maximum limits permitted under the Order of December 12, 2008, the result of the European Directive 91/676 / EEC.
At this time, the Community of Irrigators of the Acequia Real del Jucar, which manages water for irrigation at our geographic influence  area, is in process of transformation of irrigation, from traditional flooding to localized dropping irrigation in order to reduce water consumption.

Three key areas are protected for the term Algemesí:
          • Natural Park of Albufera 
          • The Natural Reserve “Llacuna del Samaruc”.
          • The Chopera.
The City Council in Algemesí, together  with superior competent administration, develops work plans for the improvement and conservation of these natural areas.
The area included in the Albufera Natural Park is devoted to rice and it is completely banned its transformation into another kind of cultivation  or the performance of any engineering work without the supervision of the management of the Park which has its headquarters in Racó de l'Olla, inside the Park.
The development of rice cultivation, is carried out in compliance with the legal normative stipulated for this crop in particular, the same way as mentioned previously. The Samaruc and Fartet are two native fish species in danger of extinction, it is for this reason that the Environment Department, in collaboration with the City of Algemesí, came, in the mid-90s, to the construction of this reserve or lagoon to reproduce and spread them through the area. Integrated into the ecosystem of rice paddies, we find the Samaruc reserve, known as " Llacuna del Samaruc" inhabited by a small fish in the order of ciprinodontiform, and only existant in Valencia. Therefore, the Samaruc can be regarded as a biogeographical relic.
   The plight of this particular species has led to their inclusion in all international lists of endangered species. It has been classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as "endangered" and included in Annex II (strictly protected species) of the Berne Convention on the conservation of wildlife and the natural environment in Europe. It is noticeable its inclusion in Annex II of the Habitats Directive of the European Union, which requires special measures for the conservation of habitat and its inclusion in the Natura 2000 network of protected European sites.
Periodically, the Generalitat Valenciana, through the Department of Environment has been introducing individuals of this specie reared in the nursery that the Department has in the Borough of Polinyà of Xúquer in this lagoon.

 On the left side of the Magro river and on its confluence with the Jucar river is the Chopera, one of the largest reserves of flora of the Ribera County, located almost at the confluence of the two, the Ribera Alta and Ribera Baja, and acting in practice as a hinge between them, this reserve as its name suggests is made up of a riverside forest where its main protagonists are the poplar trees.
Copal, and all persons composing the entity, in all its actions are very aware of the collaboration in the conservation of these reserves. It is true that we all have an obligation to respect and preserve the environment, and in these cases we must be even more scrupulous. From the technical services of the cooperative, all the recommendations are aimed at this purpose, and we also spread this attitude between the youngest where, environmental education is basic for the future. The spread in schools and colleges, as well as guided tours to raise awareness of the problem, are key aspects to consider.

ADVISORY ACTIONS
Environmental measures.

  
Among the "good agricultural practice" in order to obtain quality production and at the same time measures to reduce environmental impact, one of the most important aspects is that of fertilization.
   The fertilization plan was done taking into account the results of analysis of soil, leaves and water, but also considering the age of plantation, irrigation and soil type, as well as visual examination of the behavior of the crop.
   With regard to advice on environmental measures respecting the periods of breeding birds, not doing agricultural practices that could disrupt during periods of reproduction and breeding.
We also monitor and advise on the Prohibition of contamination of public water channels resulting from the cleaning of pesticide application machinery or use of these products, as well as a ban on leaving in the field the waste materials of the activity, such as bottles, plastic bags, packaging, etc..
Particular attention is paid to the use of nitrates in order to protect waters against pollution caused by them.
We do not fertilize during the months of November through February, to avoid contamination by nitrates.  In case we deed it, we add organic matter to the soil, using the vegetal remains of cutting branches etc.
We analyze also the irrigation water periodically to make sure that we still do not have nitrates in irrigation water, just in case we had to reduce the doses when fertilizing.
We also carry out leaves analysis in the event that to we had to reduce doses of mineral fertilizer.
  The use of pesticides is adjusted as indicated explicitly on the label, and only using only the ones permitted by current regulations and in particular those specified in the rules of GlobalGap.
 Everything is reflected in the cultivation sheets, where all labours done are recorded, including all the data plots, type of products used, dosage, quantity, etc. This will contribute to have a correct traceability of the product for commercialization.