AgroPages-Joined-up thinking on critical nematicides-Agricultural news

Nematicides have come under considerable scrutiny recently, not only from European regulators but from environmentalists, health professionals and the general public.

However, nematicide manufacturers say the use of these products will remain critical to many growers in producing a quality product and maintaining current rotations.

The Nematicide Stewardship Programme (NSP) group was formed in 2015 to work alongside farmers and operators to ensure adherence to ‘best practice’ for all nematicide applications.

The NSP group is a joint initiative which brings agrochemical companies Certis, DuPont and Syngenta together for the first time and includes cross-industry support from AIC, AHDB, the Fresh Potatoes Suppliers Association, NFU, the Potato Processors Association (PPA) and Richard Austin Agriculture, all geared towards ensuring the products remain available for future use on potatoes and other key root crops.

GUIDANCE

PPA director general and chair of the NSP Sharon Hall says: “Our stewardship guidance on sustainable nematode control aims to achieve a single, industry application standard for granular nematicides.”

At the heart of the initiative is a series of workshops to ensure all operators are fully up-to-date with the latest legislation and supplied with the correct information to ensure the products are applied accurately and safely.

Growers must demonstrate advice has been sought from a BASIS-qualified agronomist prior to the purchase and use of a nematicide. Recommendation sheets must be available for each treated field.

Operators must also be qualified to apply nematicides (NPTC PA4 or PA4G certification).

Dr Hall explains: “The operator training workshops have emphasised safe handling, applicator calibration and eliminating non-target exposure, to ensure these vital products remain available for future use.

“It is vital to note stewardship training does not replace the NPTC PA4 or PA4G certification.

However, if you are applying nematicides and already have these qualifications you should still take the stewardship course, as it covers best practice and is now the basis of the Nematicide Application Protocol in the Red Tractor crop specific protocols for potatoes, onions, parsnips and carrots.”

This follows an industry request that Red Tractor Assurance incorporates a requirement into its standards specifying all staff applying nematicides must have completed the course by March 2017.

Andy Alexander, grower, BASIS-qualified agronomist and NFU potato committee member, says the scheme has been well received by growers in its first year.

“Nematodes affect 70% of potato land, and pose a significant risk to this high value crop. Best practice is the only way to safeguard nematicides for the future, and while most growers were already acting in a very professional manner, supported by the chemical manufacturers, the industry coming together on this is a big step forward.”

He adds: “Crop protection products are expensive, so using good professional advice is important – growers should always consult a BASIS-qualified agronomist. Good record-keeping and management is key.”

The NSP announced a new training partnership with Artis at the end of 2015.

Artis is an industry-led accredited training initiative, launched in 2014 and developed by G’s Growers, NIAB, Lantra and East Malling Research, with funding from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.

The initiative provides training to growers, farmers and managers in the food supply chain to boost productivity through applying the latest agri-tech knowledge and research.

WORKSHOPS

So far more than 800 growers and operators have attended workshops. The next courses will run from autumn this year and operators can already register their interest by visiting the Artis website.

Workshop trainer Steve Higginbotham says the course offers growers and operators a different approach to a subject which they may already know well.

“It can be as simple as studying the product label more closely, focusing on the use of PPE or how to protect wildlife. We aim to relate the training closely to our, and their, practical experience.”

James Hopwood, of grower and packer Ibbotson in Yorkshire, which hosted two workshops this winter, says: “To retain active ingredients we have to maintain stewardship: every user must show diligence and take part in the training.

"I thought the workshops were spot-on – there’s all the theory needed but it is presented in a very practical way.”

Ibbotson grows 243ha of potatoes, and was already applying nematicides on the rotavator ahead of the planter, but Mr Hopwood says: “We can see the importance of best practice, paying attention to correct calibration and keeping servicing up-to-date to ensure application rates remain accurate.

The course served as an excellent reminder, even though we believe we were already on top of the game.”

Operator Steve Johnson works for a large grower in Nottinghamshire and says he found the course informative.

“I learned a lot about the regulations and the products. It’s important for operators to stay up-to-date and make sure we understand the requirements of the NSP.”

He adds that his employer’s system is based on a one-pass, one operator set up, with the applicator on a front-mounted rotavator ahead of the planter. Information on the correct PPE and handling of nematicides was especially helpful, he says.