Market and Consumer Pressure – An Irreversible Trend
“Zero residue” cultivation is attracting increasing interest among both producers and consumers who demand the highest standards of food safety. This is not only a trend linked to increasing environmental awareness but also a result of market pressure for transparency in the origin and quality of products.
Globally, the market for residue-free fruits and vegetables is growing at a rate of over 13% annually (Research and Markets, 2023). Consumers are becoming more demanding: 57% of Poles declare that when buying fruit they pay attention to safety and the absence of pesticide residues. However, the “zero” client is demanding and not loyal – if a better or cheaper product appears on the shelf, they switch brands immediately. This presents a huge opportunity for producers but is also a significant challenge.
It is worth noting that currently, labels like “residue free” or “zero residue” are locally introduced initiatives, mainly for marketing purposes, and do not reflect a uniform legal system.
In Light of Regulations
In the European Union and Poland, there are no separate, official standards directly addressing “zero residue” production. The key legal act remains Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, establishing so-called MRLs, or the maximum residue levels for pesticides (for most legally approved substances, these are higher than 0.01 mg/kg). The threshold value of 0.01 mg/kg is generally used as the level of ‘technical zero’ for withdrawn substances or those without specific limits, not as a requirement for “residue-free” crops. Only the segment for “baby food and young children” is covered by such a low limit in other regulations (e.g., the Polish Minister of Health regulation).
In practice, the implementation of “zero residue” production entails numerous technological and organizational challenges, and requires constant oversight, monitoring, and process improvement—even in the absence of unified legal regulations for this type of cultivation. For producers choosing this model, it offers both a chance to stand out in the market and a constant need to adapt to changing regulations and consumer expectations.
‘Zero Residue’ in Practice – Challenges and Opportunities
Implementing production free of chemical crop protection residues requires a completely different approach to plant protection:
- Integrated Production: Modifying growing and plant protection strategies, e.g., using products with long degradation periods only at the start of the season.
- Biological Alternatives: Bioinsecticides, biofungicides, biostimulants, introducing pests’ and pathogens’ natural enemies, and creating conditions unfavourable to pests.
- Modern Monitoring: Automated pest scouting, automated and precise irrigation and fertilization, as well as continuous quality control.
- Knowledge Exchange: Constantly improving team qualifications and following market trends is essential to compete effectively on domestic and European markets.
One must also be aware of the risks typical for covered cultivation: the prolonged persistence of active substances on/in plants, and the risk of contamination of water, substrate, or equipment.
The Biopesticide Market – The Future Already Here
Biological products and biopesticides are gaining strength – by 2030, the global market is expected to grow by over 15% annually (Triton Market Research, 2024). Products containing bacteria, fungi, viruses, or plant-derived substances are becoming an essential part of modern greenhouse crop protection. Dutch and French growers are already relying on “zero residue” products, treating them as a competitive advantage and a guarantee of consumer trust.
France is an undisputed leader – over 25% of consumers there choose products with a ‘zero residue’ certificate, and this label has become a strong, widely recognized brand. Italy and Spain are implementing their own certification systems and residue reduction programs, and in countries like Hungary, product information is accessible through QR codes—technological solutions are winning over young, demanding buyers.
Polish Innovations – Practical Examples
More and more food producers in Poland are also choosing “zero residue” technology. For example, “Amela” apples, created by fruit growers in the “Polska Natura” Cluster, operating mainly in the Bledow commune of southern Mazovia. Special protocols for crop protection are used in production, and every batch is laboratory-tested for the presence of crop protection residues. Only retail chains that require the highest standards have access to certified fruit. Interest is growing year by year, both among consumers and apple growers.
In practice, implementing modern solutions involves not just biological products, but also mechanical and physical methods to combat diseases and pests, e.g., in strawberry, blueberry, or currant plantations.
Fashion or Permanent Trend—Are We Ready for the Challenge?
“Zero residue” cultivation is not a passing fad but the future of horticulture, both locally and internationally. It is a challenge that requires knowledge, investment, continuous improvement, and openness to new technologies. But it is also an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage and build a brand that gains the trust of the most demanding customers.
Professional greenhouse owners who today choose innovation and safety can become leaders of the green revolution. Are we ready to join this movement and redefine production standards in our facilities?
