How's it Growin'?

An Explanation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

39 years of bountiful harvests are nature’s endorsement of the Krause family's care for the land, the soil, and the crops. 

We believe we grow the best agricultural crops in an environmentally sustainable way. We have worked very hard over the years to keep our soils healthy and productive.

Krause Berry Farm has always sought a sustainable style of agriculture. The family motto has been and is, "Be good to the land and the land will be good to you."

Our farm has thrived because Alf Krause has adopted new agricultural technologies as they become available. Years ago we adopted an Integrated Pest Managment (IPM) system of farming. Our farm is a member of several grower organizations that sponsor and regulate basic agricultural research to improve farming techniques and crop hardiness with less reliance on farm chemicals.

We feel that a complete elimination of all agrichemicals is probably not a realistic goal in the short term, but the use of safer, low residual crop protection agents, used at lower rates and with precise timing is possible and is our policy.

Our farm adheres to the province of British Columbia and Canada's requirements for the application of agricultural chemicals. We want to protect the health and safety of our family, our staff and our guests. 

Integrated Pest Managment (IPM) at Krauseberry Farm & Estate Winery

Variety Selection

• We try to use a varieties that are resistant to as many diseases as possible and are always looking for ones that are more resistant to mold and rot. 

Crop Rotation

• Crop rotation reduces disease, viruses, and weed build-up and virtually eliminates the need to fumigate our soils. 

Organic Manures:

• Chemical fertilizers are used only to supplement the needs of different crops. At the base of fertile soils are organic manures, including poultry manure and green manures, such as rye and barley. 

Innovative Cultural Practices:

• We are always seeking new methods of growing our berries and vegetables. For example, we use plastic coverings to plant strawberries. This eliminates the need to spray herbicides directly on the plants and reduces the need for fungicide sprays to control rot. 
•  We collaborate on agricultural research projects with the University of the Fraser Valley.  We continually research as we attend learning seminars & conventions to keep our knowledge growing as well as our crops.

Pest Monitoring

• We regularly monitor bug populations in our fields. If the numbers of beneficial bugs are insufficient to keep pests at acceptable measures, then control measures may be taken. However, patient waiting is often the best approach as weather change can help balance bug population. 

Introducing Preditor Insects

• We have introduced ladybugs into our field to control aphids and have introduced preditor mites to counter two-spotted mites, which do severe damage to strawberries. We are also experimenting with preditors to control caterpillars in raspberries. 

Sprays

• When all other options have been ruled our we spray selectively and only when the berry has appeared. Our goal is to control the problem with the least toxic and most specific chemical available. 
• Only trained applicators with certified pesticide applicator licenses do the spraying. We closely follow all Ministry and Health for spray residues.