Spotlight on: Joann Guillermet

This time we asked Joan Guillermet, the ICL‘s Agronomy Lead for South East France.

What professional tip would you like to share with farmers?

An important piece of advice that I would like to share with farmers would be to never neglect the importance of direct observation of their plots, even with the advancement of technology. Crop Management Technologies offer valuable data to optimize yields and crop management, there is no substitute for field experience. Visiting the plots regularly allows you to get an informed opinion on the real state of the crop, to identify any problems that are not always visible through sensors or software. Technology is a complementary tool, but the direct relationship with the crop is essential for successful agronomic management.

Which crops do you specialize in and what makes them unique?

For several years now, I have specialized in soilless crops and more particularly in the cultivation of strawberries and raspberries. This type of crop is unique because of the precise control we can have over many parameters, including nutrition. By growing soilless, we have the possibility to specifically adapt the nutrient inputs according to the exact needs of the plants, which allows us to optimize development and their yield. This control also improves the quality of the fruit. Finally, this method reduces the impact of climatic conditions, offering a more stable and predictable production while using resources more efficiently.

How do you help farmers deal with climate challenges?

Helping farmers face climate challenges is something that is increasingly present in my daily life. I try to provide solutions, particularly through plant nutrition. Indeed, I am convinced that plant nutrition is one of the levers for making crops more resilient to the climate problems we are facing and which will be more and more present in the future.