| Arable
Crop protection evolving to meet future challenges
AHDB Horticulture ’ s Strategy Director has stressed the need for crop protection measures to adapt to ensure the UK ’ s horticultural crops are effectively protected in the long term .
S peaking about the levy body ’ s new strategy at a Kettle Produce event – a major grower and supplier of fresh produce to the multiples based in Fife – Steve Tones noted that while crop protection still accounted for 70 % of AHDB Horticulture ’ s spend , changing environmental and political conditions means that the nature of crop protection is evolving .
“ One of the industry ’ s major challenges is pesticide availability ,” Steve said . “ While making effective use of the chemicals we can use we also need to develop crop protection methods which use plant biology to fight pests and diseases . New advances in precision farming techniques will also benefit the industry as they become more practical and accessible , and these should allow growers to rely less on chemical interventions .”
However , while embracing the potential these developments offer , AHDB Horticulture will still ensure growers can access those chemicals they need , particularly through their work applying for EAMUs ( Extended Authorisation for Minor Use ).
“ EAMUs are a key priority for levy payers and will remain a clear focus for AHDB .” Steve said . “ These off label recommendations ensure that growers can access effective pesticides and herbicides and our team at AHDB generates up to one hundred of these each year .
“ The EAMUs are critical shortterm projects , something our growers really need , but we will also focus on those longer term projects , for example soil health , which will need much lengthier collaborative work to see real change .”
Steve also explained why AHDB Horticulture was venturing into market development , attempting to change consumer perceptions , a previously unexplored area for them .
He said : “ AHDB Horticulture represents a diverse range of growers , from small to very large businesses , which grow a huge variety of crops from ornamental flowers , to salads , field vegetables and soft fruit . While most parts of the industry invest significant sums in market development and have no need for AHDB support , some businesses do have genuine needs and AHDB can support these growers to improve consumer perceptions .
“ We also need to look more generally at the consumption of fresh produce in the UK . We have the ability now to grow a huge range of incredibly healthy fruit and vegetables and yet consumption is decreasing . We need to work with partners to improve the general public ’ s consumption , which will benefit both the health of the population and our producers ’ businesses .”
Euan Alexander , Kettle Produce Agronomist , welcomed the new strategy , saying : It is reassuring for growers to hear that crop protection is a large part of the AHDB ’ s strategy , and that there are longer term projects covering soil health , as these are key to sustainable crop production .”
Get potato stores CIPC compliant for July 2017
From July 2017 , all potato store owners must comply with new legislation stating that CIPC ( chlorpropham ) applications to stored potatoes must not exceed the maximum total dose rate of 36g / tonne for potatoes produced for processing , and 24g / tonne for those sent to the fresh market .
T o help growers with the necessary steps to ensure compliance with the new legislation , the Potato Industry CIPC Stewardship Group is launching a new technical guidance booklet : the ‘ Store Owner ’ s Guide to CIPC Application ’.
“ CIPC is vital to the potato industry , as it ’ s used as a sprout suppressant treatment . CIPC applications must now be made using ‘ active recirculation ’ to optimise the efficacy of the new European lower maximum dose rate ,” says Dr Mike Storey , chair of the Potato Industry CIPC Stewardship Group .
“ Active recirculation refers to the new industry-agreed term to describe the re-circulation of air containing CIPC fog , by fans ,” he says .
Maximum dose rates for CIPC have been ‘ stepping down ’ under the ‘ Be CIPC Compliant ’ campaign since 2012 , from the maximum
level that was originally 63.5g / tonne . This summer the guidelines for the new dose rates require that ‘ active recirculation ’ is implemented .
“ Research carried out by AHDB at Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research ( SBCSR ) in collaboration with the industry has clearly demonstrated that the correct use of fans can systematically improve the uniformity of CIPC distribution – at the lower dose rate , and reduce the risk of maximum residue exceedance ,” adds Dr Storey .
The new technical guide outlines compliance measures for effective application at the new dose rates being implemented in July 2017 , and contains detailed guidelines for bulk and box potato storage .
The new ‘ Store Owner ’ s Guide to CIPC Application ’ will be sent to UK potato growers during February 2017 and is also available to download from the Be CIPC Compliant website : www . cipccompliant . co . uk /
14 | Farming Monthly | March 2017 www . farmingmonthly . co . uk