Farming the HiPP organic way
Location location location
Fields and orchards used for growing HiPP Organic ingredients are sited far from major roads and industry - even wind direction is noted to avoid airborne pollution. Seed stocks must be natural and free of chemicals.
Crop rotation
Organic farmers maintain healthy soil by rotating the types of crops in a field each year and by helping worms, insects and other organisms to flourish. Composted manure and organic matter is spread on the fields to nourish the soil naturally.
A strict ban on chemicals
Fruit, vegetables and cereals are grown naturally as you would want to grow them. No harmful synthetic fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides are used - no toxic sprays to pollute the soil and leave residues in the crops. We remove weeds by traditional mechanical methods and by hand. Lots of hard work!
Reduced Pollution
Because no harmful synthetic chemicals are used, organic farmers reduce pollution in the soil, in the waterways and in the food chain.
It starts with the birds and the bees
Organic farming means maintaining hedgerows and other habitats in which wildlife flourish - and in return this helps us to keep down pests. HiPP also actively encourages insect and slug eaters such as ladybirds, hedgehogs and songbirds. We have lots of nesting boxes in our orchards for the birds to use.
And the wind in the trees
HiPP farmers use many traditional, natural methods such as companion planting - combinations of plants that discourage pests or act as decoys. Planting crops such as carrots in exposed positions is another example, so that the wind sweeping through the rows of plants helps prevent mildew and pest attacks.
Did you know?
HiPP works in partnership with more than 6,000 organic farms across Europe, and we use nearly 100,000 tons of organic raw ingredients per year. HiPP also actively supports small, local growers, paying well for their crops.
Taking care of our animals
At HiPP we take excellent care of our animals so that they lead comfortable and happy lives. We believe that contented animals produce better quality, tastier meat for our recipes.
Free-range**
Our beef and dairy cattle graze in organic meadows**. Our pigs live in plenty of space in open barns so that they can forage outside. Our chickens exercise freely and scratch about on the ground as chickens like to do. And our turkeys live as nature intended, with fresh air and exercise.
A natural, organic diet*
Our dairy cattle are allowed out at pasture whenever possible, in natural pasture that is free from harmful fertilisers, chemicals or synthetic spraying agents. Our beef cattle are only given the finest organic grass, hay and cereals. Our pigs enjoy nutritionally-balanced organic cereals. Our chickens and turkeys also have natural, organic feed grown to very strict controls.
No fattening agents, no routine antibiotics
All our animals grow and develop as nature intended - a natural life, a natural diet, with no growth hormones or other fattening agents. Unlike non-organic animals, they aren’t given routine antibiotics.
Veterinary monitoring
Our animals are of course closely monitored by vets to ensure they are enjoying robust health. If they need medical treatment, it’s carried out in line with organic principles.
Full traceability
Each cow is ear-tagged and its origin documented in every detail and for several generations.
* In line with EC Regulations
** Housing provided under Bio Certified licence for adverse weather conditions
HiPP - environmentally friendly
The HiPP passion and beliefs in using organic foods and in sustainability extends to helping to look after the environment and protect our children’s future world.
HiPP is the largest user of organic raw foods worldwide - thus protecting huge areas of soil and ground water from the effects of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. By using HiPP baby foods, you are helping to reduce pollution!
- All our jars are produced 100% carbon-neutrally using a minimum of 50% recycled glass
- CO2 emissions in HiPP plants have reduced by around 95% in the last five years
- We use biomass (renewable) energy and ‘green’ electricity (hydro-electric and solar power) in our production (fuel oil requirements have dropped by more than 90%)
- By upgrading insulation in company buildings we saved enough energy in one year alone to heat 30 family homes for a year – and this is part of a continuing programme
- In just one year, the company reduced water consumption by almost 10%
- We recycle more than 96% of our waste - organic waste such as fruit, vegetables and cereals can be used in animal feed, as energy in biogas plants or for organic compost for the fields
- Even company vehicles have been converted to run on waste vegetable oil!
- HiPP constantly seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and has won a United Nations millennium business award, recognising outstanding environmental performance.
Reference: HiPP GMBH Environmental Statement 2006