The national quality system of integrated production (SQNPI) has the purpose of certifying the agricultural and agro-industrial productions obtained in accordance with the integrated production standard.
Integrated production (or agriculture) is a voluntary production system that is implemented by respecting the technical standards established for each type of crop both as regards defense against adversities and for all other agronomic practices such as fertilization and irrigation.
Integrated pest management is a crop defense practice which provides for a drastic reduction in the use of pesticides by implementing various measures such as the fight against harmful insects through sexual confusion or autocide techniques (sterile insect technique) or through introduction of other insects that are their natural predators; the use of more resistant crop varieties; the use of crop rotation; the use of selective pesticides that eliminate only certain insects, etc.
Law 04 of 3 February 2011 "Provisions on labeling and quality of food products" in art. 2, paragraphs 3-9, in defining Integrated Production, establishes the related National Quality System of Integrated Production (SQNPI), the purpose of which is to certify the agricultural and agro-industrial productions obtained in compliance with the integrated production standard, as defined above . Company membership of the System is envisaged in single or associated form (Consortia, Cooperatives, etc.) and the consequent certification is also permitted for processing, conditioning and distribution companies. The verification of this conformity is carried out by specific Control Bodies accredited by Mipaaf, on the basis of the Regional Control Plans, consistent with the National Guidelines for the drafting of the Integrated Production Control Plans (LGNPC). With regard to the controls carried out, they are divided into those implemented directly by the controlled subjects (self-control system), and those carried out by the CB, aimed at ascertaining the conformity of the processes and of the product. At the basis of this verification system there are specific Regulations, approved at regional level; as envisaged for the Control Plans, also for them it is established that the Regions are to adopt them, adapting their specificities to the National Integrated Production Guidelines (LGNPI). To remember the DM 4890 of 08 May 2014, which contains a special 'SNQPI brand'. Symbolizing a bee in flight, this identifies agricultural and agro-industrial products whose production is certified under the SNQPI, as it complies with the technical standard on Integrated Production. The trademark can be used free of charge by all operators in the European Union, even in combination with private or collective trademarks.
CERTIFICATION PROCESS AND CONTROLS
Operators intending to join the SQNPI must follow the certification process summarized below: Request and subsequent formulation of the offer by the Supervisory Body (ODC); Application for certification and contextual choice of the CO. The application is usually made at a CAA; · Inclusion of the company in the Integrated Production Rural Network system; Stipulate the certification contract with the chosen ODC; · Inspection visit in the company or companies; · Issue of the certificate of conformity; · Annual surveillance visits. Following adherence to the SQNPI, inspection visits are planned by the chosen ODC. The check is carried out on 100% of the single companies that adhere to the system, while in the case of the companies that adhere to Operatori Associati the check is carried out on the square root of the number of associates. The companies adhering to the SQNPI must provide for a self-control which consists in the correct maintenance of the campaign trias (treatments and cultivation operations), have or prepare soil analyzes relating to homogeneous areas of their company, certificates relating to the calibration of the spraying machines, plan of fertilization done on the basis of soil analysis, irrigation plan (regional DPI), correct keeping of product purchase invoices, control of propagation material used, traceability of the product obtained at company level. Based on the checklist provided by the rural network system, these aspects are assessed during the inspection. The control is based on the various regional regulations.
USE AND BENEFITS OF THE SQNPI
It allows single or associated farms to access public funding measures (e.g. Mis.10.1 or Mis. 3.1 of the RDPs). More specifically, measure 3 helps to enhance and strengthen quality productions, in the awareness that the entrepreneurial and territorial surplus value generated by participation in quality schemes involves additional constraints and costs. The eligible quality schemes are those indicated by article 16 paragraph 1 letter a) of regulation (EU) n. 1305/2013: · PDO/PGI/TSG agri-food products (Reg. UE n. 1151/2012); · Organic farming (Reg. CE n. 834/2007); · Spirit drinks (Reg. CE n. 110/2008); Aromatised wines (EU Reg. No. 251/2014); · DOC/DOCG/IGT wines (EU regulation n.1308/2013). The operation also supports the adhesion to the quality schemes, eligible pursuant to article 16 paragraph 1 letter b) of regulation (EU) n. 1305/2013, recognized by the Italian State, including the certification schemes of farms, agricultural products, cotton and food products that comply with the provisions of paragraph b) of the same article. Measure 10, provided for by art. 28 of the reg. (EU) 1305/2013, supports the adoption of production techniques compatible with the protection of natural resources and the landscape, aimed at mitigating climate change or promoting adaptation to it. The purposes pursued are indicated in more detail in the context of each operation. As part of the measure, the individual Regions activate two distinct sub-measures: 10.1 "agro-environmental-climate commitments" and 10.2 "conservation, use and sustainable development of genetic resources in agriculture". These, in turn, are divided into various operations.
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