GERMIFLOR® : 5 generations, spanning 130 years
The LAUTIER-BARTHES family enterprise was set up in Mazamet, in the Tarn region of France, at the end of the 19th century.
From the outset, in 1885, five generations of the Lautier family have shared a passion for making and selling Soil Conditioners, Organic Fertilizers and Organic-Mineral Fertilizers for all types of crops and both organic and conventional farming.
Every year, the company produces over 40,000 tonnes of fertilizers, in compliance with sustainable development principles, of which 80% is approved for use in organic farming. All of our products include the purified plant base, MAZOR®, which is made exclusively from traceable, high-quality inputs.
We are the only manufacturer in the world to disclose our formula in a fully transparent manner, listing its ingredients per 100kg.
GERMIFLOR®’s high-quality fertilizers and responsive, committed team of professionals has made the company a front-ranking player in soil nutrition, both in France and abroad.
Stages in production
The LAUTIER-BARTHES company operates on a six-hectare production plant, with advanced manufacturing facilities.
1Composting
The composting process developed by GERMIFLOR® lasts at least six months and comprises eight Oxygenation phases: these include Turning, Cleaning, Grinding, Sifting, and Sieving, followed by Sanitation and Disinfection through a series of temperature increases and, finally, Stabilization, ultimately producing the organic soil amendment MAZOR®.
2Manufacturing
Our blend-manufacturing facility has a capacity to process 30 tonnes per hour. The product is sifted then mixed. The ensuing fertilizer is then transported via conveyor belt to either:
• the Compacting unit, to make Pellets,
• directly to the Packaging unit, if the order is for Powder.
• the Compacting unit, to make Pellets,
• directly to the Packaging unit, if the order is for Powder.
3Compacting
LAUTIER-BARTHES’s production plant has two pelleting presses with a total production capacity of 20 tonnes per hour. Granulation is conducted in lots of 25 tonnes, which are then stored in holding silos. The pellets are cooled gradually during the compression phase. They are then sifted and transported to the packaging unit.
4Drying
Drying operations are managed by two factory units, filling:
• 25kg, 35kg or 40kg sacks, which are soldered vertically and horizontally.
• “Big Bags”, weighing either 250kg or 500kg.
A sample is taken from each manufactured lot for in-house monitoring and is stored for 12 months.
• 25kg, 35kg or 40kg sacks, which are soldered vertically and horizontally.
• “Big Bags”, weighing either 250kg or 500kg.
A sample is taken from each manufactured lot for in-house monitoring and is stored for 12 months.
5Labelling
A label indicating the guaranteed dose of each formula is printed either:
• directly onto the sacks in ink,
• onto a label to be stuck on the Big Bags.
• directly onto the sacks in ink,
• onto a label to be stuck on the Big Bags.
6Palletisation and film wrapping
Next there is the automated palletisation process. Once the pallet is full, it is automatically wrapped in plastic. A sheet listing the contents of the pallet is then attached to it before transfer to the storage hanger.
7Shipping
LAUTIER-BARTHES also runs a highly-efficient delivery network. Our drivers can deliver your products in Pallets, Big Bags, Bulk Containers, or Hopper Stands.
If you need a spreader machine, feel free to ask the Sales Representative in your area and we will lend you one at no extra cost.
8Quality service, attentive staff
LAUTIER-BARTHES GERMIFLOR® sells its fertilizers through a network of local sales outlets. We are there to listen and help you identify the best product to suit your needs. The network facilitates and supports the distributor salesforce and keeps you informed of any key developments. An agricultural research department is also available to answer all your technical questions.
9The GERMIFLOR® team
The LAUTIER-BARTHES GERMIFLOR® company is like one big family. We believe in working hand in hand to drive the company forward. A company is like a chain in which each link is indispensable, ensuring customers receive the best possible service.
Fertilization
The fertilization process involves incorporating into a given plant-growing medium the mineral elements needed for plants to grow.
There are two types of fertilizer, Manure and Soil Amendments:• Organic Amendments nourish the soil.
• Organic Manure nourishes the soil and fosters the development of microbial flora.
• Organic-Mineral fertilizer nourishes the soil and micro organisms and adds the mineral elements required for plant growth.
Organic Matter is GERMIFLOR®’s speciality. Our aim is to ensure soils and plants are nourished properly, which means returning to the earth all of the organic and mineral elements needed for plants to grow, while at the same time protecting the environment.
Our laboratory
LAUTIER-BARTHES has an in-house laboratory to guarantee product traceability and transparency.
The laboratory allows us to:• take 400g samples of each raw material and finished product for storage in controlled temperatures over an 18-month period,
• conduct advanced technological analyses, using spectrophotometry, to pre-analyse our merchandise prior to shipping.
In addition, all of our products are monitored by COFRAC-accredited external laboratories. To achieve optimal quality and results, we always work with research-focused laboratories, such as Microhumus, which operates under the INRA (National Institute for Agricultural Research) and the CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research), and RITTMO Agroenvironnement Centre de Ressource Technologique (Technological Resources Centre), which is certified by the French Ministry of Research.
Sectors of activity
Our product lines address eight specific sectors of activity, to meet all your farming needs:
Wine growing
Using Organic and Organic-Mineral fertilizers: the quality of the wine produced is directly affected by that of the grapes harvested.
Vegetable growing
Organic and Organic-Mineral fertilizers ensure quality harvests and improve the taste and condition of vegetable harvests.
Tree growing
Organic and Organic-Mineral fertilizers ensure trees develop sufficiently to yield high-quality fruit, that is both tasty and in good condition.
Horticulture
Organic and Organic-Mineral fertilizers enable more substantial plant development and ensure cut flowers last for longer.
Grain farming
One potential Organic source of forms of nitrogen for Organic Farming is Phosphorous. Certain sources of potassium are also accepted in Organic Farming.
Grasslands
Organic-Mineral fertilizers foster greater grassland density, enabling better resistance to drought and disease.
Green spaces
Our tailored products ensure lusher plants with enhanced drought resistance.
Gardening
Our three fertilizers all comply with Organic Farming criteria (CE 834/2007) : Biomazor®, le Potager and le Verdure.