1. business and industrial
2. agriculture and forestry
3. crops and seed

PROJECT COVER SHEET
COUNTRY:
IMPLEMENTING AGENCY:
PROJECT TITLE:
Argentina
UNIDO
Phase-Out of Methyl Bromide in strawberry, protected
vegetables and cut flower production
PROJECT IN CURRENT BUSINESS PLAN:
Yes
SECTOR:
Methyl Bromide
SUB-SECTOR:
Soil Fumigation
ODS USE IN SECTOR:
Baseline (Average 1995-1998).
713 tonnes (428 tonnes ODP)
Current (1998)
893 tonnes (536 tonnes ODP)
ODS USE AT ENTERPRISE (1998)
551 tonnes (331 tonnes ODP)
PROJECT IMPACT (ODS TO BE ELIMINATED):
100 % of the ODP
PROJECT DURATION:
4.5 years
PROJECT COST:
Incremental Capital Costs
US$
1,200,000
Contingency (10 %)
US$
120,000
Training Costs
US$
1,863,390
Incremental Operating Cost
US$
0
Total Project Cost
US$
3,183,390
LOCAL OWNERSHIP:
100%
EXPORT COMPONENT:
Nil
REQUESTED GRANT:
US$
3,183,390
COST-EFFECTIVENESS:
US$/kg (ODP)
9,61
IMPLEMENTING AGENCY SUPPORT COST:
US$
360,173
TOTAL COST OF PROJECT TO MULTILATERAL FUND:
US$
3,543,563
STATUS OF COUNTERPART FUNDING:
n.r
PROJECT MONITORING MILESTONES INCLUDED:
Yes
NATIONAL COORDINATING AGENCY: “Oficina del Programa de Ozono - Secretaría de
Desarrollo Sustentable y Política Ambiental”
Prepared by: M. Sangiacomo; J,C. Zembo la Morena; S. Miranda-da-Cruz.. Date: 04 September 1999
Reviewed by: Jose Antonio Gonzalez Perez/ A. Sabater de Sabates
Date: 11 January 2000
PROJECT SUMMARY: This project is designed to phase out the use of methyl bromide entirely in
strawberry, flowers and protected vegetables production in Argentina. The selected alternatives are: a)
Steam Pasteurisation and b) Chemical Products. The commercial production of these crops is practically
distributed in all Provinces of the Country. The project addresses the phasing out of methyl bromide in all
producing regions. The alternative technologies are being tested with success in the demonstration project
being implemented in the country (MP/ARG/97/186), and are now in the process of being transferred to all
producing regions.
IMPACT OF PROJECT ON COUNTRY’S MONTREAL PROTOCOL OBLIGATIONS:
When implemented as planned, the use of methyl bromide will be completely eliminated in strawberry
protected vegetables and cut flowers production in Argentina. The consumption of methyl bromide in
these three crops represents approximately 70 % of all non-essential, non-critical uses of methyl bromide
in the country.
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
BACKGROUND..............................................................................................................................1
1.1 Country Background .................................................................................................................3
1.2 The Strawberry Production Sector ............................................................................................3
1.3 The Protected vegetables and flower Production Sector...........................................................4
1.4
The Most Common Soil-borne Pests Effecting the targeted crops .....................................5
1.5
Consumption of Methyl Bromide .......................................................................................6
1.6
General Information about the Producers of Strawberries..................................................7
1.7
General Information about the Producers of flowers and protected vegetables .................8
4.
4.
JUSTIFICATION OF PHASE-OUT PROJECT.............…........………...............….............9
5.
PROJECT OBJECTIVE……………………………………………………………………9
PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................10
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
Alternative Technologies Available .................................................................................10
Justification of the Alternatives Selected..........................................................................11
Compliance with Country Strategy...................................................................................11
Equipment Needed............................................................................................................11
Training Needs..................................................................................................................12
Phase-out Schedule ...........................................................................................................12
Project Sites ......................................................................................................................13
5.
PROJECT IMPACT.......................................................................................................................13
6.
PROJECT INPUTS........................................................................................................................13
6.1
6.2
7.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ..................................................................................................14
7.1
7.2
8.
Capital Goods ...................................................................................................................13
Training.............................................................................................................................14
Phase-out monitoring ........................................................................................................15
Milestones.........................................................................................................................16
PROJECT COSTS .........................................................................................................................17
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
Incremental Capital Costs .......................................................................................................17
Incremental Operating Costs...................................................................................................17
Contingency Fund...................................................................................................................17
Total Project Costs..................................................................................................................17
9.
PREREQUISITES..........................................................................................................................18
10.
PROJECT MONITORING ............................................................................................................19
11.
POLICY MEASURES AGREED TO BY THE GOVERNMENT OF ARGENTINA……...…..19
12.
ANNEXES
A
B
C
D
E
Preliminary Specifications of the Equipment to be Installed............................................21
Calculation Coefficients and Operational costs ................................................................22
Training and Extension Service ........................................................................................28
Project Budget...................................................................................................................32
SENASA Authorization forms……………………….……………….……………… 33
2
1.1.
Country Background
Argentinean economy is strongly dependent on agriculture and although the rural population is only
1,032,215 out of a total of 32,615,528 for the country, the agricultural net value represents 7.6% of the
total GDP (1996) of US$ 297,359 million.
The main livestock products are cattle, with 50.7 million heads and sheep, about 14.3 million
heads. Main agricultural crops are: grain (23.5 million tonnes), soybean (2.5 million tonnes), sunflower
seed (5.5 million tonnes), cotton (1.34 million tonnes), and sugar cane (11.8 million tonnes).
1.2.
The Strawberry Production Sector
The production of strawberries has a long tradition in Argentina, starting during the last century,
and progressing in terms of technology and planted area to reach 970 ha in 1999, planted for the
production of the fruit alone. The production is divided into four major regions (Provinces): a) Santa Fe
(Coronda); b) Tucumán (Lules and other localities); c) Corrientes (Goya and other localities); and d)
Buenos Aires (green belt of the Federal Capital, La Plata and Mar del Plata) - (Table1 ). The sector is
very productive. Its net production value (US$ 35,000,000.) represents almost 0.2 % of the total
agricultural net production value of the country, and is distributed in 970 ha.
Table 1. Estimated Area used for Production of Strawberries in Argentina (1998)
(Planted Area per Region/Province)
Province
Santa Fe
(Coronda)
Tucumán
(Lules and other
localities)
Corrientes
(Goya and
other
localities)
Buenos Aires
(Green Belt of
Federal Capital
and, La Plata)
Area (ha)
360
400
60
110
Others
Total
40
970
Source: Project MP/ARG/97/186
The production of strawberry fruit requires the establishment of nurseries, which are the suppliers
of the vegetative material for establishing the strawberry crops. Strawberry nurseries in Argentina occupy
a total area of 130 ha, divided into three different Provinces, as follows: a) Mendoza ; b) Tucumán; and
c) Rio Negro.
Table 2. Total Area used as Strawberry Nurseries for the Production of Vegetative
Material in Argentina. (1998). (Planted Area per Region/Province)
Province
Mendoza
Tucunán
Rio Negro
Total
Area (ha)
70
50
10
130
Source: Project MP/ARG/97/186.
In the strawberry production sector in Argentina there is a small number of large-scale producers
(around 40, planting over 10 ha each) and a large number of small farmers (over 550 planting less than 3
ha each). The total annual production in the country is about 23,000 tonnes, with an approximate net
value of US$ 35 million. The strawberry crop requires very intense labour (an average of 500 working
days/ha/year), and therefore has an important social impact in the regions where the fruit is cultivated.
The average productivity is 35.0 tonnes/ha, with large farmers harvesting an average of 40.0 tonnes/ha,
and small farmers harvesting a lower average.
The vegetative material (seedlings), once produced in the nurseries, is transferred to the farmers
responsible for the production of the fruit. Production is carried out in open fields (around 80%) and
3
under shelters (20%). In general, transplanting is done on raised beds of 0.50 m in width and 0.30 m in
height. The raised beds (separated by about 1.2 m) are covered with a polyethylene mulch (black during
winter and grey during summer), in double lines, setting seedlings 0.25 m x 0.25 m apart. During the
winter a micro-tunnel of clear polyethylene (200 µ) is used. The distance between rows is 0.25 m, and
between plants, 0.25-0.30 m, for a total of 50,000-72,000 plants/ha. Irrigation and the use of
complementary fertilizers are carried out mostly through drip irrigation systems.
1.3
The Protected Vegetables and Flower Crops (“Greenhouse”) Production Sectors
The horticultural production in Argentina is very important, adding up to 11.6% of the Agricultural
Gross Product. Horticultural production lies between 22 and 46 degrees latitude south, with year-round
production. Per capita consumption is about 90 kg per year. More than 50% is sold in urban areas, mainly
in Buenos Aires, where more than 30% of the population lives. Exports add up to 6.5% of the total
production, and processing takes 4% of the total volume.
The main growing regions are located in Argentina’s Northwest (“NOA”), where three main areas
can be found. The early, intermediate and late seasons take place from May to September. The early
production zone comprises the Provinces of Salta and Jujuy. In this area greenhouse production began in
1980. The intermediate zone (Tucumán) is where cut flowers are grown; and the late production zone
(Santiago del Estero). The Northeast (“NEA”) includes Formosa, Chaco and Corrientes. Greenhouses are
widely used. Harvest season is from August to November. The Coastal area (Santa Fe, Entre Ríos,
Buenos Aires). Due to its proximity to Buenos Aires, greenhouses are very well developed. The other
regions are the Central (Cordoba and San Luis); the Comahue (La Pampa, Río Negro and Neuquén); and
the Patagonian Areas (Chubut, Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego).
The production of most vegetables requires the establishment of seedbeds, which supply
seedlings for establishing crops. The substrate for seedling production is also treated with MeBr.
In the greenhouse production sector in Argentina there is a small number of large-scale producers
(around 100, planting over 1 ha each) and a large number of small farmers (over 3,500, planting less
than 1 ha each). The total annual production in the country has an approximate net value of more than
US$ 230 million. Vegetables and cut flowers grown under greenhouse conditions demand intensive
labour, and therefore have an important social impact in the regions where greenhouses are established.
For tomato production, average yield is 12.5 kg/m2, and for pepper production, average yield is 8 kg/m2.
Celery and lettuce average 6 kg/m2 and 2 kg/m2, respectively.
Vegetative material (seedlings) is produced under greenhouse conditions, utilizing sterilized
(MeBr) substrate, and afterwards it is transferred to the field. Production can be carried out in open fields
and under greenhouse conditions. Irrigation and the use of complementary fertilizers are carried out
mostly through drip irrigation systems under greenhouse conditions.
4
Table 3. Vegetables and Flowers Produced under Greenhouse in Argentina, and Surface
Treated with MeBr - 1998 Estimates (Planted Area per Region/Province)
Surface
treated
w/MeBr
(ha)
Number of
Farmers
1,112
330
1,065
Tomato, Lettuce, Pepper, Celery, Spinach,
Cut Flowers (Carnation, Chrysanthemum,
Lisianthus), Ornamentals
Corrientes
850
134
1,663
Tomato, Pepper
Salta - Jujuy
350
102
200
Pepper, Tomato, Cucumbers, Melon
Santa Fe
107
60
80
Tucuman
80
47
160
Mendoza - San
Juan
90
46
150
Tomato, Pepper, Celery, Cut Flowers
(Carnation, Chrysanthemum)
Pepper, Melon, Tomato, Cucumber,
Ornamentals
Cut flowers (Carnation, Rose,
Chrysanthemum), Tomato, Pepper
Chaco - Formosa
90
9
130
Tomato, Pepper, Ornamentals
Entre Rios
44
100
Tomato, Pepper, Lettuce
Comahue
12
20
Tomato, Pepper
Patagonia
17
25
Lettuce, Tomato
Total
2,752
Region/Province
1998(ha)
Buenos Aires
1.4.
728
Main Crops
3,603
Most Common Soil-borne Pests Effecting the above crops
The most frequent soil related pests observed in the cultivation of strawberries are: Red stele, and
other root diseases (Phytophthora spp; Rhizoctonia sp); several other diseases caused by Xanthomonas
fragariae Kennedy & King, Gnomonia comari Karsten, Diplocarpon earliana [Ell. & Ev.] Wolf, and
Phomopsis obscurans [Ell. & Ev.] Sutton), ants (Agromymex spp), and root and crown-feeding pests
(Agrotis ipsilon Rott and Heliothis zea Boddie). The main weed problem is Cyperus rotundus.
The most frequent soil-related pests observed in cultivation under greenhouse conditions are:
Phytophthora spp; Rhizoctonia spp; Xanthomonas spp, Diplocarpon spp, Phomopsis spp, Pithium spp,
Fusarium spp, ants (Agromymex sp.), and root and crown-feeding pests (Agrotis spp, Heliothis spp,
Meloidogyne spp, Heterodera spp ). The main weed problem is Cyperus spp.
5
1.5.
Consumption of Methyl Bromide
The consumption of methyl bromide in Argentina has been increasing during the past years and
has reached 893 tonnes in 1998. Methyl bromide in Argentina has been used primarily for soil
fumigation, and treatment of substrates (about 94%) and for commodity fumigation, quarantine and other
uses (app. 6%). Therefore, out of total imports, around 811 tonnes have been consumed in soil
fumigation: a) 310 tonnes for horticulture, particularly tomatoes, celery and peppers; b) 230 tonnes in
tobacco crops (preparation of seedbeds); c) 70 tonnes for flower crops (ornamentals and cut flowers);
and d) 201 tonnes for strawberry crops. The consumption with regard to post harvest operations is 30
tonnes, and, therefore, quarantine and storage of grains, legumes etc. totals to 52 tonnes.
Table 4. Imports of Methyl Bromide in Argentina
Year
Quantity (tonnes)
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
355
443
684
833
893
1
Source: IASCAV - INDEC
The application of methyl bromide on large-scale farms is carried out through equipment
specifically designed for fumigation with the pesticide. On small farms, application is carried out through
the drip irrigation system, already available in practically all strawberry producing farms in Argentina.
The application of methyl bromide through the irrigation system, although not efficient in terms of
utilisation of the gas, is a very simple activity, and this is the main reason for the dramatic increase of Me
Br consumption within the last three years in the country.
The estimated consumption of methyl bromide in the strawberry production sector is estimated at
201 tonnes/year and is distributed as expressed in Table 5.
1
IASCV - “Instituto Argentino de Sanidad y Calidad Vegetal; INDEC – Instituto Nacional de Estadística y
Censos”.
6
Table 5. Estimated Consumption of Methyl Bromide in the Strawberry Production Sector
in Argentina in tonnes [1998]
Region
Nurseries
Fruit
Production
Santa Fe
(Coronda)
-
80
Tucumán
(Lules and other localities)
10
52
Gran Buenos Aires
(Escobar and La Plata)
-
12
Corrientes
-
03
Mendoza
41
-
Mar del Plata and Others
01
02
Total
52
149
Source: Project MP/ARG/97/186.
The application of methyl bromide in greenhouse operations is carried out for two different
objectives. One is substrate sterilisation for seedling production, carried out mostly with MeBr one-pound
cans. The other one is soil treatment, which is carried out mostly through drip irrigation system.
Out of the 380 tonnes of MeBr used for cultivation under greenhouses, an estimated amount of
30 tonnes is used for horticultural seedling production. Due to the technology already available for
seedling production [and being successfully demonstrated under a project for phasing out MeBr in the
tobacco sector2]), it has been considered that this component of the horticultural productions be phasedout simultaneously with the MeBr being used in the tobacco production sector. The technology consists
essentially of seeding in plastic (polystyrene) trays filled with a substrate, which are then left floating on a
nutrient solution held in a container. It has been considered, therefore that there will be a “gain of scale”,
and a reduction in project costs if implemented jointly with the phase-out of MeBr in the tobacco sector.
It is worthwhile to mention that, an agreement has been reached between Government authorities
and with the group of local experts responsible for implementing the demonstration project in the tobacco
production sector on this issue, since the time considered for phasing out MeBr in tobacco production in
Argentina will coincide with the conclusion of the present project.
The consumption of methyl bromide in the greenhouse production sector is estimated at 380
tonnes/year and is distributed as expressed in Table 6., below.
2 Project Financed by the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol and being
implemented by the UNDP in Argentina
7
Table 6. Consumption of Methyl Bromide in the “Greenhouse” Production Sector
(protected vegetables and flower crops) in Argentina in tonnes [1998]
Region/Area
MeBr
Consumption
(tonnes)
Protected
Vegetables &
Flowers
(tonnes)
Seedbed
Treatment
(tonnes)
Buenos Aires
156.5
152.0
4.5
Tucumán
21.4
21.1
0.3
Santa Fé
27.2
26.7
0.5
Salta - Jujuy
68.1
67.1
1.0
Mendoza – San Juan
21.2
20.8
0.4
Corrientes
63.8
61.0
2.8
Chaco-Formosa
3.9
1.3
2.6
Cordoba
13.8
-
13.8
La Rioja
3.5
-
3.5
San Luis
0.2
-
0.2
Patagonia
0.2
-
0.2
La Pampa
0.1
-
0.1
Santiago del Estero
0.1
-
0.1
Total
380.0
350.0
30.0
Source: Project MP/ARG/97 /186
1.6.
General Information about the producers of strawberries
Santa Fe - Coronda
The horticultural producing area known as Coronda in the Province of Santa Fe, includes also the
districts of Desvío Arijón and Arocena. Geographically it is a land strip of around 35-km along the
Coronda River. In this area, almost 75 % of the growers own small farms. Temperatures range from –
7°C in July to + 45°C in January. In this area, most of the growers own the land, and employ local and
regional labour. Drip irrigation is widely used. In this area there is heavy soil infestation by Cyperus
rotundus, a weed that produces little bulbs, which are very difficult to control with herbicides.
8
Tucumán
The strawberry growing area of Tucuman comprises mainly Lules, Trancas and Tafí del Valle.
The region produces strawberries earlier than the rest of the country, almost without competition,
obtaining better prices. There are very good micro-climatic growing conditions. Rainfall is over 1,000
mm and well distributed year round, preventing solarization techniques. Strawberry is a very important
social and economic production. In this area, more than 90% of the growers own small farms. Drip
irrigation is widely used.
Other regions
The other growing areas are, namely, the surroundings of Buenos Aires and La Plata, Corrientes,
Mendoza, Mar del Plata, and small regions. In all these regions growers own small farms, where
strawberry production represents a good economic alternative for small plots, due to its high profit, and
the use of family labour mainly, with extra labour for specific activities, such as planting and harvesting.
Drip irrigation is a very common tool.
1.7.
General Information on the Producers of flowers and protected vegetables
The production of vegetables cultivated under Greenhouses in Argentina covers an area of 2,752
ha, widely distributed throughout the country. The types of greenhouses vary, but most of them are based
on wooden structure, and covered with plastic sheets. The main irrigation system is drip irrigation. In
most cases, a very basic environmental control technology is used, with emphasis on cold temperature
control. The temperature range is wide, according to the greenhouse location (latitude), and crop
management also varies greatly according to latitude.
The average greenhouse size is 400 m2. Farmers carried out operations under greenhouses and at
the same time on open fields. The main characteristics of the crops involved are presented at Table 7
below. Not all growers use MeBr to disinfect soil. The surface of greenhouses used for production of
protected vegetables and flowers is treated with MeBr is 728 ha (Table3., above, refers). In that area the
consumption of MeBr is 350 tonnes. But practically every producer of seedlings uses MeBr to treat soil.
The consumption of MeBr used for production of seedlings [for protected vegetables and flowers] is
estimated to 30 tonnes/year. For technological reasons, the phase-out of those 30 tonnes of MeBr used
for the seedling production will be part of a future project where the same technology will be applied for
eliminating the MeBr used in the production of tobacco seedlings.
The main greenhouses crops are tomato and pepper. Depending on the location and on the market
conditions, one or two crops are grown per year. Cut flowers represent almost 1/3 of the total production
value grown under greenhouses
9
Table 7. Characteristics of the Crops Grown under Greenhouses
Crop
Plantation
surface
(ha)
Total Yield(*)
(tonnes)
Crop Value(*)
(million US$)
Tomato
1,003
125,375
75,225
Pepper
759
60,720
45,540
Flowers
442
125,375
85,000(*)
Lettuce
147
2,940
2,352
Celery
135
8,100
5,670
Others
266
17,000(*)
Total
2,752
230,780
(*) Estimated Values
2.
JUSTIFICATION OF PHASE-OUT PROJECT
Argentina participated in a demonstration project for the use of Methyl Bromide alternatives in
strawberry production, protected vegetables and flowers crops. This project is ending in April 2000 and
the technologies experienced so far, have been proven very well adapted to the country. In view of the
growing consumption of MeBr use, which will create a much bigger problem in the near future, the
Government of Argentina has decided to quickly phase out MeBr in the most dynamic sectors and to
introduce the legal mechanism to avoid any increase in the consumption.
3.
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
The objective of this project is to eliminate the use of 551 tons of methyl bromide in strawberry,
farms (1100 open field hectares) and in the flowers and vegetables production (728 greenhouses
hectares). All farms are 100% local ownership and the export component is nil. The characteristics of the
strawberries open field farms involved are presented at Table 8, below.
10
Table 8. Distribution of strawberries farms phasing-out Methyl Bromide
Province
Plantation
surface
(ha)
Number of
farms
MeBr
Consumption
(tonnes)(*)
Foreign
Ownershi
p
Production
Exported
Santa Fé
360
235
80
Nil
Nil
Tucumán
440
200
52
10 Nurseries
Nil
Nil
Greater Buenos
Aires
110
70
12
Nil
Nil
Mendoza
80
10
41 Nurseries
Nil
Nil
Corrientes
60
60
3
Nil
Nil
Bs As Mar del
Plata
20
10
2
Nil
Nil
Others
30
25
01 Nurseries
Nil
Nil
(*) MeBr is not utilised by every grower. The consumption trend is that in the very near future every one
will use it.
4.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
4.1
Alternative Technologies Available
There are several types of alternative technologies available that could be applied to replace soil
fumigation with methyl bromide. They could be classified in three main groups.
The first group consists of chemical alternatives to methyl bromide. These compounds are not
known to affect the ozone layer, and have a similar activity. The most important chemical compounds
are: a) Dazomet; and b) Metam Sodium. Telone is in the registration process, which, in the formulation
known as C-35, has been proven very successful in Article 2 countries.
The second group consists mainly of two physical alternatives: a) Solarization, which is carried
out by covering the moisturized soil with a transparent plastic sheet for six to eight weeks during the
hottest and driest months. This is a promising technique that has been shown very effective against
bacteria and fungi, but not as effective to control weeds and nematodes; and b) steam injection, which is
used to pasteurize the soil and [in the case of Argentina] is the most promising alternative found for
strawberry production due to the weed problem.
The third group consists of non-soil alternatives. It includes non-soil cultivation in closed and
open circuits. Although this is probably the most interesting group [in terms of safety], the high costs, and
the technical and education requirements are the main barriers impeding them of being widely adopted.
All the above-mentioned alternatives were proven to be successful in Argentina through the
demonstration project MP/ARG/97/186 (A summary report containing the main results achieved so far is
being forwarded to the Montreal Protocol Secretariat).
4.2
Justification of the Alternatives Selected
11
The alternatives selected for phasing-out methyl bromide in the strawberry, flowers and protected
vegetables production sector in Argentina are:
a) Chemicals: Metam Sodium. This chemical has been proven successful in replacing methyl
bromide in the demonstration project in Argentina. It has been effective in controlling the main soil-borne
pests and diseases, without provoking a dramatic change in production methods. It is presently the
cheapest one and the easiest to use.
b) Physical alternatives: Steam pasteurization. The use of steam to pasteurize the soil has
been shown somewhat more complicated to practice. The application of steam pasteurization [in the
demonstration project] has presented good results, but special equipment is necessary in order to
accomplish them. However, when soil is heavily infested with weeds and nematodes, as it is the case of
some horticultural products in Argentina (including the production of strawberries in some key regions),
the use of steam [as an alternative to methyl bromide] ends up being almost essential.
During the four months of the preparation to phase out the use of methyl bromide in the
strawberry, flowers and protected vegetables sectors as soon as the following basic conditions are met:
a) New technology has been acquired by the farmers; b) the necessary equipment has been installed; c)
the technical staff of the public and private institutions involved has been trained; and d) the farmers’
associations [which presently either do not exist or are poorly represented in terms of number of
members] are being promoted.
4.3
Compliance with Country Strategy
The country’s strategy for phasing-out the methyl bromide as a soil fumigant in general [and in
particular in the strawberry production sector] is guided essentially by the adoption of four parameters:
a) that the alternative techniques [to be officially disseminated and adopted] be easily absorbed by the
average farmer; b) that the lowest economical losses for the farmers and for the community be taken into
account; c) that [agricultural] labor is utilized to the highest extent possible; and d) that the environmental
quality, including sustainable land use, be always maintained. The project is therefore in compliance with
the countries objectives and strategy for phasing-out methyl bromide in non-critical uses.
4.4
Equipment Needed
The equipment necessary to be purchased by the project consists of steam boilers, fully equipped,
to be delivered to the farmers’ associations (Please refer to Annex A., and to Annex B. for further
details).
Boilers and injection equipment needed have been tested during the demonstration project and
basically consists in 3500 kg/hr mobile boilers (including water treatment) with special mobile devices
permitting 5000 m2 per day treatment.
4.5
Training Needs
Due to the present characteristics of production of strawberries, flowers and protected vegetables
in the country (large amount of small farmers distributed all over the country), the project must include
a very thorough training process. There is need to establish direct contact with no less than 3910 farmers
of which 610 in strawberries production and 3,300 in flowers and vegetables distributed all over the
country.
Expertise and training know-how from the National Institute of Technology for Agricultural and
Livestock - INTA (“Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria”), and the extension agents to be
recruited by the project will be required. The extension agents would need to be highly prepared in the
12
application [not only theory] of the selected alternatives, in order to be very effective in the dissemination
of that knowledge to the farmers. Very comprehensive communication and extension services are,
therefore, key factors for the successful implementation of the project and of the Argentinean methyl
bromide phase-out programme.
4.6.
Phase-out Schedule
Table 9. Phase-out Plan
MeBr Phased-Out (tonnes)
Plantation surface where MeBr is eliminated (ha)
1
None
Extension on MB a;ternatives
2
20
10 % of the area is MeBr free (110 ha)
3
+ 20% of the area is MeBr free (total: 30%, 330 ha)
4
60
141
+ 30% of the crop surface is MeBr free (total 60%, 660 ha)
5
201
+ 40% of the crop area is MeBr free (total 100%, 1,100 ha)
Year
TOTAL
201
In the strawberry sector, the phasing out scheme involves the replacement of methyl bromide by
metam sodium in an area of 790 ha, and the utilization of to steam in an area of 310 ha. The area to be
treated with steam consists of 310 ha in the Province of Santa Fe [Coronda] (due to heavy weed
problems). The area of 130 ha used for nurseries, [located in the Provinces of Mendoza, Tucuman, and
Rio Negro] would require also steam. In order to reduce the project costs, it has been considered that the
owners of nurseries would adopt the technology [on a later stage] own their own costs.
In the flowers and vegetables sectors, the phasing out scheme involves the replacement of methyl
bromide by metam sodium in an area of 428 ha, and the utilization of to steam in an area of 300 ha.,
totaling therefore 728 ha, (as pointed out under par. 14., above). Due to the high cost of use of steam, the
area to be treated with steam pasteurization (300 ha) is part of the area used essentially for the production
of flowers (ornamentals and cut-flowers), which have a high retail price. They are located basically in the
Provinces of Buenos Aires, Mendoza-San Juan, Santa Fe, and Tucumán (Table. 1., refers). The
replacement of MeBr by metam sodium is planned to be carried out mainly where the production of other
protected vegetables takes place. The production is located in the Provinces of Buenos Aires, ChacoFormosa, Corrientes, Mendoza-San Juan, Salta-Jujuy, Santa Fe, Tucumán and other Provinces
where MeBr is applied in very small areas also used for production of protected vegetables.
4.7
Project Sites
The project will be managed locally from a small “Coordinating Office” in Buenos Aires (Focal
Point). The offices of INTA for extension services (“Agencias de Extension”) will be the focal points in
each of the different Provinces/Regions where the project will be implemented. INTA’s Extension
Agents [which are agronomists paid by the Government] will have a very intense involvement in training.
The project specific sites will include every area where methyl bromide is used for strawberry production
(nursery and fruit production), namely Greater Buenos Aires, Santa Fe (Coronda), Corrientes, Mar
del Plata areas, Mendoza, Tucumán, and other areas (as for instance Rio Negro) when applicable.
(Please refer to Tables 5-8, above for complementary information on the areas to be covered by the
project).
5.
PROJECT IMPACT
At the end of the project, the complete MeBr phase-out for strawberry flowers and protected
vegetables production will be achieved. In addition, it is also expected that the corresponding farmers
13
will be very knowledgeable in selecting alternatives, as well as in Integrated Pest Management - IPM,
sustainable production, and environmental care.
6.
PROJECT INPUTS
6.1.
Capital Goods
The project includes the purchase and installation of 20 steam boilers specifically designed for
soil pasteurization (to be used and maintained by farmers’ associations) as per specifications given in
Annex A..
For the strawberries’ production, the steam boilers are to be distributed mainly in Coronda
(Province of Santa Fe) area, where a weed (Cyperus sp) constitutes a serious problem for most of the
farmers in the region, and Metam Sodium is not as efficient as steam to control it (4.6 above refers). As
also mentioned previously, the nurseries are the providers of seedling, and [due to the high quality of the
vegetative material required] it is of extreme importance, that steam be used in nurseries as the
technology alternative to MeBr. Therefore, nurseries should be provided with steam boilers, by their own
means at a later stage. Based on parameters obtained during the visits to the different producing areas
(planted area, distribution in the region and the feasibility of establishing associations), a total
requirement of 10 steam boilers has been identified. (Please refer to Annex B. for further details on
calculation coefficients.
For the flower and vegetable productions, the steam boilers are to be distributed mainly in the Provinces
of Buenos Aires, Mendoza-San Juan, Santa Fe, and Tucumán, where the production of flower crops
(ornamentals and cut-flowers) is concentrated. The main reason [as pointed out in 4.6, above] is the high
cost of the technology (steam pasteurization), which has to be compensated for a high sales price of the
final product (as the case of flower crops). Based on parameters obtained during the visits to the different
producing areas (planted area, distribution in the region and the feasibility of establishing associations),
a total requirement of 10 steam boilers has been identified. (Please refer to Annex B. for further details
on calculation coefficients).
6.2
Training
Training of the professional staff is the first step for this project to be successful. INTA’s
specialist personnel and project agents will be the first group of professionals to be trained (“Training of
Trainers”). It will include a two-week course in Buenos Aires, where the main characteristics of MeBr in
comparison to the alternative technologies will be discussed. Parallel to the technical training [on the
advantages and disadvantages of each fumigation technique], how to initiate and carry out the extension
services, as well as the procedures for establishing the farmers’ associations, will be also part of the
training programme. As part of the first training component, visits to the different sites where the
alternatives will be used, will also take place.
During the implementation of the project [as part of the programme for training the trainers],
several courses are scheduled. Topics, such as “Integrated Pest Management - IPM”, “Sustainable
Production”, “Environmental Care”, and “Pesticide Management”, will be part of the training
programme. The objective [besides the transmission of the new techniques for soil conservation and pest
control] is to develop a fluid exchange of ideas and experiences among project personnel. Also, regular
meetings are planned.
The technical aspects [absorbed in these courses by the project personnel, and INTA specialist
service staff] must be extended to the growers immediately. Meetings and courses for farmers are
scheduled in each area, as a follow up of the first training component. The team of the Project
Coordinator will be in charge of the follow-up of the farmers’ training.
14
The participation of international experts [to a limited extent, and only when really necessary] to
complete the training component and to address very specific issues related to the implementation of the
whole phase-out programme is also foreseen. The co-operation of professionals [for very punctual
activities] from countries that have either eliminated completely or are in an advanced stage of phasing
out MeBr, is expected to provide a significant contribution to the phase-out programme
7.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
The project will be implemented by UNIDO, under national coordination of the Ozone Office at
the Ministry of Environment in Argentina (“Oficina del Programa de Ozono – Secretaria de Recursos
Naturales y Ambiente Humano de la Nacion”), in close cooperation with the implementing institutions,
SENASA (“Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agroalimentaria”) and INTA (“Instituto Nacional de
Tecnología Agropecuaria”).
The contracts for the implementation of the major components of the project, i.e., equipment, will
be awarded on the basis of competitive bidding. The final terms of reference for the subcontracts will be
drawn up after the project is approved. The contractors appointed by UNIDO, through a subcontract, will
be responsible for the implementation of part of the project, including the purchase and supply of the
necessary equipment as well as on-the-job training of local staff.
The detailed specifications for purchasing the equipment and the other agricultural inputs and the
work plan can only be elaborated after an agreement has been reached with the different parties involved
(preliminary specifications for the purchase of the boilers are stated in Annex A.). Equipment will be
purchased by UNIDO through subcontracting procedures.
As implementing agency, UNIDO has the necessary experience and capabilities for the
successful implementation of projects at the enterprise level. Upon approval by the Multilateral Fund for
the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MFMP), the project budget will be transferred to UNIDO.
The respective allotment document will then be issued by UNIDO’s Finance Section. Any
substantive or financial deviation will be subject to the approval by the MFMP Executive Committee.
The Government of Argentina will be responsible for providing:
a) The legal framework for phasing out Methyl Bromide in strawberry production;
b) The required infrastructure (Specialist Services from INTA) for reaching the farmers involved;
c) The necessary institutional support for implementing and following up of the project.
From the institutional viewpoint, the project will be implemented at local level as follows: a) The
National Coordinator’s team will be responsible for the general administration of the project. He/she will
be responsible for maintaining informed all the parts involved, and for the follow up of all and every
major field operation; b) INTA’s Extension Agencies will function as the focal point for the support,
communications and provision of extension services to the growers. INTA’s staff shall work in close
cooperation with extension agents recruited by the project (The duties of the extension agents to be
recruited by the project are stated in Annex C.); c) SENASA (“Servicio Nacional de Sanidad
Agroalimentaria”) will be in charge of ruling/enforcing the mandatory procedures; and d) OPROZ will
overview the whole operation.
At the field [operational] level, investments will be in form of training, (which has been explained
under item 6.2. above) and equipment. Steam boilers will be delivered to farmer’s associations, which
will be formed during the first year of project implementation.
7.1
Phase-out monitoring
15
UNIDO will monitor the effective phasing-out of MeBr according to the established phase-out
schedule, as well as the operational costs resulting from the substitution of MeBr by alternate
technologies at farmer level. UNIDO will keep the Executive Committee of the Multilateral fully
informed about the progress made, trough a yearly annual report indicating the progress of the conversion
and the costs involved.
In case of unjustified delays, the Implementing Agency will inform the Executive Committee of the
Multilateral Fund and eventually will cancel any further release of funds.
7.2.
Milestones
Table 10. Project Milestones
Item
Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 3 Sem 4 Sem 5 Sem 6 Sem 7 Sem 8 Sem 9
Steam Boilers
<
Specifications
<
Bidding
<
<
<
<
<
Shipment
<
<
<
<
Start-up
Training in:
<
<
Association
<
<
Extension
<
<
<
<
<
<
Alternatives
<
<
<
<
IPM, etc.
Sem. stands for Semester
16
8.
PROJECT COSTS
8.1.
Incremental Capital Costs
42. The investment costs [Equipment plus Training] are presented in Table 11 below.
Table 11. Total Investment Costs in US$.
Equipment as per Annex A
Training Programme as per Annex C
TOTAL INVESTMENT COSTS
8.2.
1,200,000
1,863,390
3,063,390
Incremental Operating Costs
Eligible Incremental operating costs calculated in Annex B high for steam and negative for
Metam Sodium after having identified cheaper sources of this chemical. However, after taking into
account the surface involved the consolidated figure is close to zero. Therefore they are not included in
the project budget.
8.3
Contingency Fund
A contingency fund consisting of 10% of the capital costs [equipment] has been included. The
contingency fund is established to cover unforeseen price deviations, which might occur during project
implementation.
8.4
Total Project Costs
In line with the progressive schedule proposed for purchasing the equipment and shifting from
MeBr to the two alternatives considered, the project costs will be as follows:
Table 12. Total Project Costs
Incremental Capital Costs
1,200,000.
Contingency Fund (10%)
120,000.
Training Costs
Incremental Operating Costs
Total Project Costs
Implementing Agency Support Costs
TOTAL REQUESTED FUNDING FROM MFMP
1,863,390.
0.
3,183,390.
360,173.
3,543,563.
17
9.
PREREQUISITES
In accordance with the regulations of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund, the
project funds will only cover incremental costs related to the conversion. All other expenses have to be
covered by the counterpart including: a) any additional input not included in the present project
document; b) infrastructure work
Prior to the start of the project, a Memorandum of Understanding will be prepared and signed by
the Government authorities. This memorandum, which will specify the responsibilities of the counterpart,
will be considered as an integral part of this project document.
18
10.
PROJECT MONITORING
Table 13. Milestones For Project Monitoring
Milestones
Date
Month
Results
Achieved
Grant agreement signature
03/2000
03
Equipment bids prepared
04/2000
04
Bids for training prepared
05/2000
05
Equip. contract awarded
07/2000
07
Training contract awarded
07/2000
07
20% Training I implemented
09/2000
09
1st 20% Equipment delivered
11/2000
11
80% Training I implemented
11/2000
11
1st Reports Results Achieved
12/2000
12
20% Training II implemented
06/2001
18
2nd 20% Equipment delivered
06/2001
18
80% Training II implemented
11/2001
23
2nd Reports Results Achieved
12/2001
24
20% Training III implemented
04/2002
28
3rd 20% Equipment delivered
06/2002
30
80% Training III implemented
11/2002
35
3rd Reports Results Achieved
12/2002
36
20% Training IV implemented
04/2002
40
4th 40% Equipment delivered
06/2003
42
80% Training IV implemented
11/2003
47
5th Reports Results Achieved
12/2003
48
100%Training V implemented
06/2004
52
Final Reports Submitted
08/2004
60
Not Achieved
Remarks
Delay
19
11.
POLICY MEASURES AGREED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF ARGENTINA
The Government of Argentina has agreed to issue and implement the following policies:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
The Government has the following Legal Norms in force:
- Decree 3489/58: the registration of trade, importation and exportation of products of
vegetable therapeutic (methyl bromide included) is compulsory.
- Resolution 440/98: Procedures Manual, Criteria and Scope for the Registration of
phytosanitary products in Argentina - Secretariat of Agriculture.
- Resolution 20/96: regulates the waste present in products treated with fumigants
(methyl bromide included)- Secretariat of Agriculture.
- Disposition 28/98: creates the Methyl Bromide Consultative Group - Secretariat of
Natural Resources and Sustainable Development.
- Resolution 280/98: bans the use of methyl bromide in urban plague control
campaigns – Ministry of Health.
Also, methyl bromide is included in a previous administrative authorization procedure
for importing / exporting the product into / from the country. Authorization Forms issued
by SENASA are included in Annex E.
During the implementation of the project, a regulation will be effective by the
Government forbidding the use of methyl bromide in the production of vegetables and
flower crops grown under greenhouses and strawberries.
The Government of Argentina has agreed to reduce all fumigation uses of methyl
bromide as follows, and as stated in the 1999 revised “Country Programme”, only
essential and critical uses of methyl bromide will be allowed after 1st January 2007.
SECTOR
Strawberry
YEAR
1998
2000-2001
2001-2002
2002-2003
2003-2004
Greenhouse
1998
2000-2001
2001-2002
2002-2003
2003-2004
Tobacco/Seedbeds *
1998
2007
Post Harvest **
1998
2007
MeBr
CONSUMPTION
(ton)
MeBr
PHASE OUT
ton
%
20
60
141
201
10
30
60
100
35
105
245
350
10
30
60
100
230
100
30
100
201
350
230
30
* schedule will be defined after completion of the Demonstration Project
* * if alternatives are proven effective
ANNEX A.
%
BASELINE
CONSUMPTION
(713 ton)
100
28.19
2.8
8.4
19.8
-28.2
49
4.9
14.7
34.4
-49
32
-32
4.2
-4.2
20
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS OF THE EQUIPMENT TO BE INSTALLED
Item
Mobile Steam boilers, fully equipped,
capacity: 3,500 kg/h, for treatment of
5,000 m2/day (8 hour shift), includes fuel
tank, water treatment (softening system),
reservoir (steel tank for storage of fuel),
pipes, hoses, diffusers, and a set of mobile
tanks adapted to the different soil surfaces
for heating seedbeds, soil beds and soil at
open field.
Number of
units needed
Cost/ unit
(US$)
Total
(US$)
20
60,000.
1,200,000.
21
ANNEX B.
CALCULATION COEFFICIENTS AND OPERATIONAL COSTS
I.
Calculation of Steam-Boiler Requirements
A. Steam boilers for strawberries
A total of 10 steam boilers have been considered in the budget as part of “Investment Costs”.
The number has been derived as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
For each block of 2 ha, a total of 4 working-days @ 08-hour shifts, or 2 working-days @ 16-hour
shifts is needed
Coronda has a very severe weed problem (Cyperus spp), which is impossible to control only with
herbicides;
During the first year of project implementation, it has been considered that farmers’ associations will
have to be created. The main reason is that they either do not exist in Argentina or are poorly
represented [in terms of members]. Considering that the number of steam boilers is also a function of
the number of farmers that will use them, in order to determine the number of boilers a total of 07
Farmers’ associations shall be created in Coronda.
Considering that two months is the average time needed for soil preparation, the number of steam
boilers needed for that area cannot be less that 10.
Therefore, a total of 10 steam boilers is needed: 10 units for Santa Fe (Coronda);
The specifications for the purchase of the steam boilers will be prepared during the first semester
of the project implementation (Month 04 of Project Milestones at Table 13.). Based on the experience of
Project MP/ARG/97/186, several modifications [to improve the performance in the field] have been made
in the original equipment. Those modifications will be reflected in the specifications for the purchase of
the new set of equipment.
A. Steam boilers for flowers and vegetables
A total of 15 steam boilers have been considered in the budget as part of “Investment Costs”. The
number has been derived as follows:
•
•
•
For each block of 2 ha, a total of 4 working-days @ 08-hour shifts, or 2 working-days @ 16-hour
shifts;
Areas where steam pasteurisation will be [mainly] applied: [Provinces of] Buenos Aires, MendozaSan Juan, Santa Fe, and Tucumán, where the production of flower crops (ornamentals and cutflowers) is concentrated (Table 1., par. 29 and par. 46, above refers). The area considered to be
treated with steam pasteurization is 300 ha (out of a total of 728 ha, which are treated with MeBr);
During the first year of project implementation, it has been considered that farmers’ associations will
have to be formed. The main reason is that they either do not exist in Argentina or are poorly
represented [in terms of members]. The total number of farmers [to be reached] in all target regions
[MeBr to be replaced with metam sodium and steam] is over 3,300 (par. 28., above refers), and the
number of farmers that will be applying steam is considered to be over 1,100. Considering, that the
number of steam boilers is also a function of the number of farmers that will use them in order to
determine the number of boilers, it has been projected that a total of 15 Farmers’ associations will
be established in the a/m Provinces;
22
•
Considering, that one month is the average time needed for soil preparation (under “greenhouses”),
the number of steam boilers needed for the a/m area cannot be less that 15. In order to reduce project
costs, it is considered to purchase only a total of 10 boilers under the project. They should be
distributed as follows: 07 for Buenos Aires; 01 for Mendoza-San Juan, 01 for Santa Fe; and 01 for
Tucumán;
The specifications for the purchase of the steam boilers will be prepared during the first semester
of the project implementation (Month 04 of Project Milestones at Table 13.). Based on the experience of
Project MP/ARG/97/186, several modifications [to improve the performance in the field] have been made
in the original equipment. Those modifications will be reflected in the specifications for the purchase of
the new set of equipment.
II.
Calculation of Training and Extension Services Requirements
1. The calculation of training and extension services requirements is presented at ANNEX C.
III.
Parameters for Calculation of MeBr and Metam Sodium Requirements
1. Strawberries in open field:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Average number of plants/ha: 70,000;
Average consumption of MeBr [for production of strawberries (growing lines)]: 300 kg/ha;
Average consumption of MeBr [for treatment of seedbeds]: 300 kg/ha;
Average consumption of Metam Sodium [production of strawberries (growing lines)]: 775 l/ha;
Total area where MeBr is presently used: 1,100 ha;
Area where MeBr will be replaced with chemical alternatives (metam sodium): 790 ha;
Area where MeBr will be replaced with steam pasteurization: 310 ha (Province of Santa Fe
[Coronda]);
1. Greenhouses:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Average number of plants/ha: 30,000;
Average consumption of MeBr [for production of protected vegetables & flowers]: 450 kg/ha;
Average consumption of MeBr [for treatment of seedbeds]: 04 kg/ha - (under a separate project);
Average consumption of Metam Sodium [production of protected vegetables & flowers]: 1,000 l/ha;
Total area where MeBr is presently used: 728 ha;
Area where MeBr will be replaced with chemical alternatives (metam sodium): 428 ha;
Area where MeBr will be replaced with steam pasteurization: 300 ha;
•
Provinces where MeBr is used for treatment of vegetables and flowers grown under greenhouses:
Buenos Aires: 330 ha
Consumption for protected vegetables and flowers: 152.0 tonnes
Consumption for treatment of seedbeds: 4.5 tonnes;
Corrientes: 134 ha
Consumption for protected vegetables and flowers: 61.0 tonnes
Consumption for treatment of seedbeds: 2.8 tonnes;
Salta-Jujuy: 102 ha
23
Consumption for protected vegetables and flowers: 67.1 tonnes
Consumption for treatment of seedbeds: 1.0 tonne;
Santa Fe: 60 ha
Consumption for protected vegetables and flowers: 26.7 tonnes
Consumption for treatment of seedbeds: 0.5 tonnes;
Tucuman: 47 ha
Consumption for protected vegetables and flowers: 21.1 tonnes
Consumption for treatment of seedbeds: 0.3 tonnes;
Mendoza-San Juan: 46 ha
Consumption for protected vegetables and flowers: 20.8 tonnes
Consumption for treatment of seedbeds: 0.4 tonnes;
Chaco-Formosa: 09 ha
Consumption for protected vegetables and flowers: 2.6 tonnes
Consumption for treatment of seedbeds: 1.3 tonnes;
IV.
Incremental Operating Costs
Cost of MeBr has been established according to offers from suppliers and bills from users.
However, the cost seems to be decreasing sharply.
Cost of Metam Sodium from present Argentinean producers is around 2.9 US$/kg. Being a
product produced in Mercosur a duty tax of 17% is applied to all imports from outside Mercosur area.
The Implementing Agency has identified a reliable cheap source of Metam Sodium which permits a final
cost of 2.25 US$/kg delivered at project’s site.
Based on the above, the incremental operating costs of the different alternatives are the
following:
24
OPERATIONAL COSTS PER HECTARE IN GREENHOUSES USING METAM
SODIUM
Quantity Unit
Unit
Total YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4
price
Methyl Bromide
450 kg
5.45 2452.5 2452.5 2452.5 2452.5 2452.5
Plastics
434 kg
1
434
434
434
434
434
Unskilled labour
2.5 w/m
322
805
805
805
805
805
Skilled labour
0.5 w/m
420
210
210
210
210
210
3901.5 3901.5 3901.5 3901.5
TOTAL SAVINGS
Metam Sodium
1000 liters
2.25
2250
2250
2250
2250
2250
Plastics
434 kg
1
434
434
434
434
434
Unskilled labour
3 w/m
322
966
966
966
966
966
3650
3650
3650
3650
3650
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
BALANCE
0
-251.5
-251.5
-251.5
-251.5
Discount factor
0.91
0.83
0.75
0.68
Net present value
-228.865 -208.745 -188.625 -171.02
ELIGIBLE INCREMENTAL OPERATIONAL COSTS
-797.255
PER HECTARE
OPERATIONAL COSTS PER HECTARE IN GREENHOUSES
USING STEAM
Quantity Unit
Unit
Total YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4
price
Methyl Bromide
450 kg
5.45 2452.5 2452.5 2452.5 2452.5 2452.5
Plastics
434 kg
1
434
434
434
434
434
Unskilled labour
2.5 w/m
322
805
805
805
805
805
Skilled labour
0.5 w/m
420
210
210
210
210
210
3901.5 3901.5 3901.5 3901.5
TOTAL SAVINGS
Fuel
6400 liters
0.42
2688
2688
2688
2688
2688
Own tractor
32 hr
12.5
400
400
400
400
400
Skilled labour
0.5 w/m
420
210
210
210
210
210
Unskilled labour
2.5 w/m
322
805
805
805
805
805
4103
4103
4103
4103
4103
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
BALANCE
0
201.5
201.5
201.5
201.5
Discount factor
0.91
0.83
0.75
0.68
Net present value
183.365 167.245 151.125 137.02
ELIGIBLE INCREMENTAL OPERATIONAL COSTS
638.76
PER HECTARE
25
OPERATIONAL COSTS PER HECTARE IN OPEN FIELD LINES USING METAM
SODIUM
Quantity Unit
Unit
Total
YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4
price
Methyl Bromide
300 kg
5.45
1635
1635
1635
1635
1635
Plastics
434 kg
1
434
434
434
434
434
Unskilled labour
2.5 w/m
322
805
805
805
805
805
Skilled labour
0.5 w/m
420
210
210
210
210
210
3084
3084
3084
3084
TOTAL SAVINGS
Metam Sodium
775 liters
2.25 1743.75 1743.75 1743.75 1743.75 1743.75
Plastics
434 kg
1
434
434
434
434
434
Unskilled labour
3 w/m
322
966
966
966
966
966
3143.75 3143.75 3143.75 3143.75 3143.75
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
BALANCE
0
59.75
59.75
59.75
59.75
Discount factor
0.91
0.83
0.75
0.68
Net present value
54.3725 49.5925 44.8125
40.63
ELIGIBLE INCREMENTAL OPERATIONAL COSTS
189.41
PER HECTARE
OPERATIONAL COSTS PER HECTARE IN OPEN FIELD LINES USING
STEAM
Quantity Unit
Unit
Total
YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4
price
Methyl Bromide
300 kg
5.45
1635
1635
1635
1635
1635
Plastics
434 kg
1
434
434
434
434
434
Unskilled labour
2.5 w/m
322
805
805
805
805
805
Skilled labour
0.5 w/m
420
210
210
210
210
210
3084
3084
3084
3084
TOTAL SAVINGS
Fuel
4000 liters
0.42
1680
1680
1680
1680
1680
Own tractor
32 hr
12.5
400
400
400
400
400
Skilled labour
0.5 w/m
420
210
210
210
210
210
Unskilled labour
2.5 w/m
322
805
805
805
805
805
3095
3095
3095
3095
3095
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
BALANCE
0
11
11
11
11
Discount factor
0.91
0.83
0.75
0.68
Net present value
10.01
9.13
8.25
7.48
ELIGIBLE INCREMENTAL OPERATIONAL COSTS
34.87
PER HECTARE
26
Therefore, total incremental operating costs are the following
TOTAL ELIGIBLE OPERATIONAL COSTS IN US$
Alternatives
Hectares Unitary O.P
Metam Sodium for vegetables/flowers in greenhouses
428
-797.23
Steam for vegetables/flowers in greenhouses
300
638.76
Metam Sodium for strawberries in open field
790
189.41
Steam for strawberries in open field
310
34.87
TOTAL ELIGIBLE OPERATIONAL COSTS
TOTAL
-341,214
191,628
149,634
10,810
10,857
27
ANNEX C.
TRAINING AND EXTENSION SERVICES
I.
Calculation of Training Requirements and Corresponding Costs
1. As previously stated, for a permanent change of attitude in eliminating soil-borne adversities without
methyl bromide, a very intensive communication programme must be implemented, where training of
extension personnel (trainers) and farmers are the key factors. It is considered that without an effective
training programme, the project will not be successful.
2. Considering that: a) the production of strawberries, protected vegetables and flowers in Argentina
[where MeBr is used for treatment of soil] is distributed in more than ten Provinces (States), in several
cases, distant one from another; and b) the number of farmers to be reached in a MeBr phase-out
programme exceeds 4,000, the estimated number of staff to be involved as trainers are 42 extension
agents [to be paid by the project] and 29 Government (INTA) specialists [to be paid by INTA, and the
training on MeBr alternatives to be paid by the project budget].
3. The project involves the following provinces, with a minimum number of project leaders (specialists)
as follows:
Buenos Aires
Corrientes
Santa Fe
Tucumán
Chaco-Formosa
Mendoza-San Juan
Patagonia
08 specialist staff members
04 specialist staff members
07 specialist staff members
06 specialist staff members
01 specialist staff member
02 specialist staff member
01 specialist staff member
Total
29 specialist staff members
4. The distribution requirements of the “Project Extension Leaders” (Field agents) is as follows:
Buenos Aires
Corrientes
Salta-Jujuy
Chaco-Formosa
Mendoza-San Juan
Santa Fe
Tucumán
Patagonia
Total
14 Project Extension. Agents
17 Project Extension. Agents
02 Project Extension Agents
01 Project Extension Agent
01 Project Extension Agent
04 Project Extension Agents
02 Project Extension Agents
01 Project Extension Agent
42 Project Extension Agents
28
5. The Project Extension Leaders and INTA’s Specialist Staff are scheduled [during the first year of
project implementation] to be initially trained (“Training of Trainers”) with the following basic
programme:
•
Associations. Motivation. Causes. Forms. Legal aspects. Keeping associations alive: 02 days of
lectures with a total of 08 hours; plus 08 hours of “on-the-job training”.
•
Extension methods. Mass media. Meetings. Visiting farmers: 03 days of lectures with a total of 12
hours; plus 12 hours of “on-the-job training”.
•
Methyl Bromide. Ozone layers. Health problems. Use of MeBr. Toxicity. Environmental hazards.
Alternatives: Chemicals, Non chemicals; 05 days of lectures with a total of 16 hours plus 24 hours of
“on-the-job training”.
6. The function of the Project Extension Leaders and INTA’s staff will be essentially the following:
Year 01.
Teaching farmers on: a) the MeBr problem; b) ozone problems; c) alternatives to MeBr;
Initiate with the use of equipment after receipt.
Grouping farmers into Associations;
Essential Requirements: Mass media:
Not less than 12 contacts per year.
Meetings:
Not less than 03 per Association per year
Visits to farmers:
Not less than 02 per year
Year 02.
Alternative applications;
Continue with the use of equipment.
Maintaining Associations;
Essential Requirements: Mass media:
Meetings:
Visits to farmers:
Not less than 06 publications per year
Not less than 03 per Association per year
Not less than 02 per grower per year
Years 03, 04 and 05.
Alternative applications;
Continue with the use of equipment.
Maintaining Associations;
Essential Requirements: Mass media:
Meetings:
Visits to farmers:
Not less than 04 publications per year
Not less than 02 per Association per year.
Not less than 01 per grower per year.
7. The estimated costs for carrying out the complete training programme is as follows:
29
Training of trainers (42 Project Extension Leaders plus 29 INTA’s Specialist Staff):
Trainer costs
Training of INTA Staff
([DSA - US$ 90. @ 14 days plus transportation - US$ 50.]
Training of Project Extension Personnel
([DSA - US$ 90. @ 14 days plus transportation - US$ 50.] x 02(x))
(x )
two meetings/year
Sub-Total
US$
10,910.
US$
36,540.
US$ 105,840.
US$ 153,290.
Communications and Transportation3
Meetings: 04 meetings per year; Materials (including leaflets, handbooks, etc.); and eventually
some paid advertising
US$ 225,600.
Transportation costs4
US$ 327,600.
Sub-Total
US$ 553,200.
Salaries and Expenses:
Project Extension Personnel5
National Coordinator’s team6 (*)
Transportation for National Coordinator’s team (*)
US$ 994,000.
US$ 144,000
US$
18,900.
Sub-Total
US$ 1,156,900.
Total Costs for the Training Programme
3 The costs of communication and transportation will be incurred to the project on a gradual basis. It
shall be higher during the first year of project implementation and decreasing during the subsequent
years. For calculation purposes, it has been considered percentages of the total cost spent in each of the
years of project implementation
4 Transportation costs. Not less than 2,000 km/month each extension agent @ US$ 300. per month x 42
agents x 26 working-months: US$ 327,600.
5 Cost of Project Extension Personnel Responsible for Training of Farmers and Extension Services
•
•
•
•
•
01 Ext. Agent per area to work with approximately 90 farmers x 4,000 farmers: 42 agents(Field
workers);
Salaries [paid presently in Argentina for an Extension Agent]:not less than US$ 1,000. per month;
Year 01: part time, 12 w/m (working-months) most @ US$ 1,000. x 12 x 42: US$ 518,000.
Year 02: 06 w/m
US$ 252,000.
Years 03,04 and 05
US$ 272,000.
•
6 Cost of National Coordinator’s team: US$ 3,000.00 per month. First 3 years, full time. Last 2 years,
part time. Transportation, due to distances, should not be less than 108,000 km for the whole project.
Cost per km is US$ 0.175. This includes all transportation needs.
30
Training of trainers
Communications and Transportation
Salaries and Expenses
US$ 153,290.
US$ 553,200.
US$ 1,156,900.
TOTAL
US$ 1,863,390.
31
ANNEX D.
PROJECT BUDGET
Budget Line
Description
w/m
US$
21.01
Subcontract for equipment as per Annex A
21.02
Subcontract for training as per Annex C
71-00
Contingencies (10%)
120,000
99.99
Total Project Costs
3,183,390
Implementing agency support costs
TOTAL FUNDING REQUESTED
1,200,000
156.0
1,863,390
360,173
3,543,563