UK: Crop protection evolving to meet future challenges
Speaking 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 short-term 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.”
For more information:
www.ahdb.org.uk