Àlex Navarro Franch on rice farm management
Àlex Navarro Franch, Rice Grower & Head of Agroserveis.cat (Illustration)
“ Following good agricultural practices and using pesticides correctly – by strictly following label instructions – can mitigate potential harmful effects.”
As a farmer, what methods do you see for protecting animals like bats and frogs?
“It is difficult for me to make a specific contribution here due to my lack of expertise on the subject. I can only say that following good agricultural practices and using pesticides correctly – by strictly following label instructions – can mitigate potential harmful effects.”
Could you please briefly describe the work on your farm (farm size, management scheme, type of crops planted, etc.)?
“Aside from being a small-scale farmer (6 hectares), my primary role is that of an agricultural services company. We provide comprehensive management for a farm consisting of 180 hectares of rice. Our management is full-service, covering both decision-making and the execution of various tasks.”
How are you involved in the SYBERAC project?
“I provide different plots for data collection and contribute detailed information about them regarding the specific tasks performed and the products used.”
Why did you decide to join this project?
“It came about through contact with one of the researchers and my desire to collaborate on a project that I consider important. I want to understand the impact of pesticide use and, based on the results, study potential actions for improvement.”
How are you profiting from being part of SYBERAC?
“Through direct participation, the knowledge received, attending dissemination sessions, and getting in touch with the research world. It has helped me gain awareness regarding the impact of agricultural activity on the environment.”
“In the case of the Ebro Delta, wildlife is a unique and very important asset for the territory that we must appreciate and value. Furthermore, it serves as an indicator of the general health of the habitat, which obviously includes us humans as well.”
In your view, why is it important to protect wildlife from veterinary medications?
“In my view, it is important to carry out an activity that has the minimum negative impact on the environment in which it takes place, and that certainly includes wildlife. In the case of the Ebro Delta, wildlife is a unique and very important asset for the territory that we must appreciate and value. Furthermore, it serves as an indicator of the general health of the habitat, which obviously includes us humans as well.”
