What organic means at Rathgeb.
Rathgeb Bio has grown to Bio Suisse guidelines since 1994. That means: no chemical-synthetic fertilisers or pesticides, careful treatment of the soil and regular inspections by independent bodies.
This year already 0 kWh of solar power from our roofs.
A healthy attitude to nature.
Soil is central for us. From its structure to its soil life to its water balance, it determines the harvest. That is why we farm it gently and extensively. Around 20 percent of our land remains green space – habitat for beneficial insects, bees and soil organisms.
This comes at a price: yields are lower than in conventional farming. In return, quality, an intact environment and nature come first. The Rathgeb family has been committed to this principle for decades.
For us, organic means “pro nature”.
What is organic?
Organic – also called biological or ecological farming – is agriculture that works with natural cycles rather than against them. Chemical-synthetic fertilisers and pesticides are prohibited, as are genetically modified organisms. In Switzerland, the Federal Organic Farming Ordinance sets the minimum requirements.
The Bud (Knospe)
The Bud (Knospe) is the label of Bio Suisse, the umbrella organisation of Swiss organic farms. Its guidelines go further than national and European requirements. One example: not just individual fields, but the entire farm must be managed organically. Food with the Bud brings the interests of people, animals and nature into balance. That is what we stand for. Every day.
Quality and safety: inspected, not just promised.
For us, inspections are not an obligation but a matter of course. They vouch for quality – not only in the finished product, but at every single work step.
Organic inspection
Independent inspection bodies regularly check that we comply with the organic guidelines. [confirm inspection body and frequency]
Residue analysis
Regular laboratory analyses ensure that our products are free of unauthorised residues. [confirm details]
Traceability
Every delivery is checked on arrival, weighed and given a batch number – traceable from the field to the customer.
Cold chain
After harvest, almost everything is cooled immediately and kept at the right temperature until it reaches the customer.
ISO 9001
Certified management processes by Bureau Veritas Certification.
People
Despite modern equipment: trimming is done by hand, and the final quality check is always carried out by a person.
Our certificates and quality labels.
External certifications vouch for the quality of our products and compliance with all guidelines. Here you will find every certificate with a sentence about it – and to download.
Bio Suisse KnospeAnbau nach den Richtlinien von Bio Suisse – seit 1994 für den ganzen Betrieb.PDF · 414 KB↓
DemeterFür Produkte aus biodynamischer Landwirtschaft nach den Richtlinien von Demeter. [Umfang bestätigen]PDF · 101 KB↓
Migros BioUnsere Produkte erfüllen die Anforderungen des Bio-Programms der Migros.PDF · 414 KB↓- Logo to followCoop NaturaplanUnsere Produkte erfüllen die Anforderungen der Bio-Eigenmarke von Coop.PDF folgt↓
SwissGAPSchweizer Standard für gute Agrarpraxis: Lebensmittelsicherheit, Hygiene und Rückverfolgbarkeit.PDF · 429 KB↓
CulinariumRegionalmarke der Ostschweiz für Produkte aus der Region.PDF · 100 KB↓
Miini RegionRegionalprogramm von Coop für Produkte aus der Region.PDF · 432 KB↓
ISO 9001Unsere Managementprozesse sind durch Bureau Veritas Certification nach ISO 9001 zertifiziert. Ständige Verbesserung gehört damit zum Alltag. Logisch.PDF · 1.4 MB↓
EnAW CO₂-reduziertLabel der Energieagentur der Wirtschaft für Unternehmen, die ihren CO₂-Ausstoss nachweislich senken. Wir sind Mitglied seit Beginn.PDF · 140 KB↓- Logo to followSortimentskatalogPDF folgt↓
Frequently asked questions
The Bud (Knospe) is the label of Bio Suisse, the umbrella organisation of Swiss organic farms. It stands for guidelines that go further than the legal requirements of Switzerland and the EU. Rathgeb Bio has produced to these guidelines since 1994.
Because yields are lower without chemical-synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, and more manual work is needed – for example weeding. In return, soil, water and biodiversity stay intact.
Only enough to keep them frost-free. They are not properly heated in winter. That is perfectly sufficient for lamb’s lettuce and other winter salads.
Hors-sol means growing without soil, for example in stone wool with nutrient solution. This is not permitted in organic farming. With us, everything grows in natural soil, even in the greenhouse.
With beneficial insects: predatory mites and parasitic wasps keep pests in check, and bumblebees pollinate in the greenhouse. Flower strips and wildflower fallows provide habitat for beneficial insects in the field.
Bio Suisse Bud (Knospe), Demeter, Migros Bio, Coop Naturaplan, SwissGAP, Culinarium, Miini Region, ISO 9001 and EnAW CO₂-reduced. All certificates are available to download further up.
Over 60 vegetable varieties3 generationsBio Suisse since 1994