Restrain, the natural anti-sprouting system, is now approved for the storage of organic potatoes and onions. The approval follows two years of discussions with the Standing Committee on Organic Farming, the EU body that meets to consider products that can be used with organics. The approval is also fully endorsed by Organic Farmers and Growers (OF&G) and the Organic Food Federation (OFF). 

Restrain is a patented system that uses ethylene gas, a natural sprouting inhibitor. The system, which was originally developed by Greenvale AP and ICA Equipment & Instruments, has been operating commercially for over five years in the UK and has already been exported to Europe, North Africa and the USA. Restrain is marketed by the Restrain Company. 

The organic approval applies throughout Europe and was welcomed by Restrain Company's UK Manager James Thorburn: "Being a natural, chemical-free system, Restrain is a perfect match for organic producers," he said. "The approval means organic potato and onion growers can use Restrain to extend their storage time, allowing them to supply the higher value, late season market currently dominated by imports. Potentially it represents a major business boost for organic growers in the UK."    

Thorburn added that, with several years experience and over 200 units in operation with non-organic crops, the Restrain system had already proved itself to be robust, farmer-friendly, flexible and economic. "We continue to lead and innovate in ethylene storage through trials in centres of excellence including the Potato Council's Sutton Bridge Experimental Unit, the Allium & Brassicae Centre and the Dutch potato storage research centre at Wagenigen University," he said. 

The work with these centres has led to innovations such as the slow introduction of ethylene, which is now fully automated in the Restrain Generator controls. Restrain Company also recently introduced a system that is compatible with CA (controlled atmosphere) storage for onions. 

Organic producers will find that Restrain is very easy to use: there is no need to modify the store and the ethylene generators only require a standard single-phase 13 amp supply - it delivers a 'plug and play' solution that can be installed in five minutes. It's also flexible: for example, onion growers can restrict Restrain to their medium and long-term storage facilities.