VEG FARMER FEBRUARY 2018.qxp_VEG FARMER TEMPLATE 25/01/2018 15:11 Page 1
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HOW MUCH TO STAY IN TOUCH? A modest £40 (£70 for two years) Over 85 years of experience... That’s all it costs to tomorrow’s receive twelve issues handling solutions t: +44 (0)1790 752771 of e: [email protected] The > Gentle Handling > Advanced Design > Intelligent Control Vegetable Farmer, www.tongengineering.com Your Magazine. Is YOUR company providing products or Please complete the coupon below and send with a services to the UK cheque/postal order payable to A.C.T. Publishing to: Vegetable Industry? The Vegetable Farmer If so, make sure you are A.C.T. Publishing, ‘FREEPOST’ TN2289 included in the new Maidstone, Kent ME14 1BR (NO STAMP REQUIRED) 2018 NAME: ______FARM NAME: ______ADDRESS: ______Vegetable ______Yearbook & Buyers Guide ______Post Code: ______Don’t forget to return your entry form Tel:______BEFORE FRIDAY 2nd MARCH Email:______or call Debbie Alpe on: Approx acreage:______01622 695656 FEBRUARY 2018 or email: Overseas subscription rates (Payments in sterling please) Air Mail: Europe £50 • Middle East/USA/Canada/Far East £60 [email protected] • Australia/New Zealand £70
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3 LION HOUSE, CHURCH STREET, MAIDSTONE, KENT ME14 1EN OPINION The issue of economic returns for Tel: 01622 695656 Fax: 01622 663733 vegetable growers is well documented, but we must keep e-mail: [email protected] Web address: www.hortnews.co.uk trying to explain the impact of short term thinking on price to those who ultimately buy our produce. As prices paid for fresh fruit and vegetables have continually been squeezed, profits SUBSCRIPTION RATES Although every effort is made too have decreased. Not only does this mean less income for TWELVE ISSUES to ensure the accuracy and farmers and growers, but it also means less money to reinvest Inland UK £40 readability of material in the business – not only in shiny new equipment, but on the published, the publishers and Air Mail:Europe £50 dirty and basic elements of land improvement, such as liming Middle East their agents can accept no USA/Canada/Far East £60 responsibility for claims and and drainage. Australia/New Zealand £70 opinions expressed by contributors, manufacturers or Both of these have several things in common. Not only is Printed by Buxton Press Ltd ISSN 0960-863X advertisers. neither of them particularly sexy, but they have also seen The Vegetable Farmer is a member of the Independent Press Standards significant decreases since direct subsidies for them were Organisation. We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed withdrawn. Unlike say, fertiliser, there is often no immediately to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please write to visible benefit from applying lime to most crops (with the the editor at the address above. If you would like more information about exception of clubroot suppression in brassicas) or adding IPSO or the Editors’ Code, visit: www.ipso.co.uk drainage. You don’t get an extra half tonne of potatoes from each meter of mole drain for example. CONTENTS However, not maintaining pH levels and field drainage can be expensive. Soils which are the wrong pH, or waterlogged, or New AHDB panel members...... 4 both, can increase costs. Lower availability of the nutrients in fertiliser, or leeching of those nutrients, means that higher Fusarium wilt workshop...... 6 levels of fertiliser are required to produce the same yield which not only increases costs but is bad for the environment. Wet or New potato report ...... 8 compacted soils not only reduce yields and restrict root growth, they can also prevent timely operations, potentially shortening Consultants’ viewpoint...... 10 the growing season or meaning that more horsepower and machinery is required to ‘rectify’ soil problems that occur. FLN control...... 14 The benefits of lime and soil drainage have been understood
AHDB Agronomist’s Conference ...... 16 for centuries. In fact, that is part of the reason they appear to have fallen out of fashion. Everyone knows about them, or Benefits of liming ...... 19 thinks they do, and the way research and knowledge exchange is funded nowadays means that they are less likely to appear in Efficient fertiliser use ...... 22 lists of projects. It is therefore heartening to see that, in the case of lime, the industry itself is looking to address this Riverford field lab trials ...... 24 research need. Cover crops and data management are increasingly being seen Soil preparation...... 26 as a key part of sustainable rotations which can restore soil health, and there is no doubt that they have an important role NFU round table ...... 28 to play, alongside better use of data and mapping to improve Classified ...... 30 knowledge. But it is important that in adopting new techniques, old well proven knowledge is not forgotten. There Buyers Guide...... 31 is room for both to be used on modern farms – providing there is sufficient money to pay for it.
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•NEWS• 4 Another successful Yes Peas! Campaign Started over 15 years ago, the category for secondary school Peas and aired some beautiful Green’s recipes were featured in Yes Peas! campaign which aims pupils in years 9, 10 and 11. shots of the Lincolnshire pea the press both regionally and to encourage consumer demand The 2018 campaign will be harvest. In addition, 100,000 nationally, reaching an for frozen peas, has had released to 24,000 schools at Blue Peter viewers watched estimated at 23, 602, 973 another successful year. With the end of January and will presenter Radzi follow the pea people, as well as being posted the help of their ambassador, feature prizes from Procook and harvest from field to factory. on twitter, Instagram and celebrity chef Rachel Green, and Waitrose. Throughout the year Rachel Facebook. PR company Hatch Great British Pea Week Communications, Yes Peas! had enabled key journalists to a busy 2017. discover first-hand how peas get The Young Pea Chef of the from field to fork, while Year competition took place for #FarmerCam was a social media the second year. This is a school activity which saw the release of campaign aiming to inspire 5 videos following different pea young people to think creatively farmers for a “day in the life of” about cooking with peas. For view of the pea harvest. The 2017 a second category was videos were a huge success with introduced aimed at secondary a total of 102,000 views. school children, which Following Great British Pea accompanied the initial primary Week, farmer Russell Corfield of school category. 2017 saw 100 Aylsham Growers, got the entries from schools across the opportunity to tell Chris Evans UK and 1,200 votes were on Radio 2 all about the Pea received. Harvest, while BBC’s Saturday For the 2018 competition Kitchen, which has around 1 there will be another new million viewers, visited Fenn Celebrity chef Rachel Green with Young Pea Chef of the Year competitors. New panel members selected to steer horticulture industry
Nine new panel members Nursery, the new AHDB hardy Management Scientist at depth and breadth to the have joined AHDB Horticulture. nursery stock panel member, AHDB, said: “New panel industry’s expertise and Starting in January 2018 for a said: “In order to combat the members change the dynamic knowledge, and tackling the three-year term, the new panel issues of staffing, I would like of the existing panels, bringing rising cost of human labour. members will provide expert to see the industry embrace new perspectives and The panel members were advice to help inform the technology and mechanisation highlighting new challenges. selected following an organisation’s strategy. The as much as possible. It’s great to have that application process which ran panels will also play a critical “I was interested to learn that shakeup; it makes us reassess until October 2017. role in assessing and planning AHDB is funding research into what, and how, we are To see the full list of AHDB strategic research projects that robotics specifically targeted at delivering.” Horticulture panel members directly impact horticultural horticulture; I’m sure this will AHDB Horticulture’s strategic and find out how to get in businesses. The new field have benefit to the growers if key priorities are: extending touch with your sector vegetable panel member is Tim not now, then in the near the available range of plant representatives, visit: Casey J & V Casey and Son Ltd. future.” protection products, adding horticulture.ahdb.org.uk. James Moffatt of James Coles Dr Georgina Key, Resource Regularly eating vegetables improves Albert Bartlett profits hit by price memories of older people Eating a portion of salad or greens every day can considerably pressures improve the memories of older people by as much as 11 years. This Airdrie based potato firm, Albert Bartlett’s latest accounts show has been shown in a recent study of nearly 1000 people which their operating profit was affected by price pressures in the supply was published in the journal Neurology. It found that those who chain. Although sales increased by 18 per cent to £146 million in regularly ate either a half cup or the equivalent every day of green, the year ending 31 May 2017, their operating profit fell last year leafy vegetables had the memories of people who were from £2 to £1.8 million. The company’s operating profit in the significantly younger. 2015 financial year was £8 million. Over a period of 10 years, the researchers at Rush University This fall is attributed partly to start-up costs with its frozen foods Medical Centre in Chicago analysed 960 people who had an operation in Norfolk which started in 2015 with three lines but has average age of 81 and none of whom were suffering from since been doubled to six. The pre-tax profit of £1.8 million dementia. included a £1.3 million foreign exchange gain on inter-company Rush University Medical Centre researchers asked each member loans. International sales for the group totalled £900,000 with of the group how often, and how much, they ate of certain green, sales to the Netherlands, France, Czech Republic and the USA. leafy vegetables, lettuce, spinach and also kale and collard greens, Sara Miller, Bartlett’s finance director, told The Herald newspaper all of which are rich in the vitamin K. All the participants were also in Scotland that the company would continue to work closely with given annual thinking and memory tests. its group of more than 100 growers across the UK (including People who came in to the top category ate the equivalent of 1.3 Jersey) to ensure they adapted to the “challenging retail servings each day, whilst those who were in the bottom category environment”. ate on average virtually none.
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•NEWS• 6 Team Sprayers launch Müller auto-rate fertiliser control
British sprayer manufacturer according to the forward speed therefore optimising efficiencies only work with dealers who we Team Sprayers have announced of the tractor and planter/drill, and product usage. trust will do this for the that the Müller SPRAYLIGHT Team Sprayer’s Managing customer. auto-rate control system will Director, Danny Hubbard “We have been trialling Müller feature as a standard option on says: “We have seen a rise SPRAYLIGHT Auto-rate control their Front Mounted Sprayer. in demand for precision system technology for almost SPRAYLIGHT is an operating and application as growers are two years to ensure its success control unit, combining a realising the benefits that and we have had excellent display, operating system and placement accuracy brings results. We are confident that control computer in a single in cost savings and yields. this system will offer growers housing. It has the ability to Accurate set up is improved efficiencies, which is accurately calculate the absolutely key to getting why we made the decision that remaining distance and good results. I would it should feature as a standard remaining area that can be always advocate getting option”. SPRAYLIGHT can be sprayed with the current tank the applicator set up and switched from automatic to content. Crucially the Müller calibrated on-farm to manual operation mode and system automatically adjusts the The Müller SPRAYLIGHT auto-rate control ensure the maximum can store up to 20 daily jobs as amount of applied fertiliser system. efficiencies and results. We a reference for the operator. Good hygiene essential to prevent lettuce Fusarium wilt Rigorous hygiene practice is wilt are limited, and no varieties required for race 4 to infect, so produce in the pack-house and critical to prevent the risk of resistant to race 4 – the disease growers of outdoor as well as how we deal with waste; we are infection from lettuce Fusarium strain identified in the UK – are protected lettuce crops should also having ongoing discussions wilt, the potentially devastating currently available. be vigilant.” with seed-houses and disease recently detected on UK AHDB has received guidelines Andrew Howe, Technical propagators.” lettuce crops. and protocols from Teagasc, the Manager at L.J Betts, outdoor The University of Warwick is To help protect crops, growers Agricultural and Food lettuce growers, told delegates currently conducting a technical at a recent workshop organised Development Authority in Ireland that they had taken immediate review on behalf of AHDB to by AHDB Horticulture were told and a research programme in steps, putting in practical compile further detailed it was essential to carry out their Belgium (FUNSLA) detailing measures to reduce the risk of information on management own risk assessments to identify hygiene measures for the getting and spreading the options, to help minimise the potential sources of infection. prevention of lettuce Fusarium disease. He said; “We reviewed impact on the UK lettuce Delegates were also urged to put wilt. This is available, along with our hygiene protocols to include industry. The full report will be in place clear hygiene protocols further technical information how we handle imported published in early February 2018. to prevent the disease both about the disease, on the AHDB getting on to nurseries and Horticulture website: spreading between them. http://bit.ly/lettuceFusarium Lettuce Fusarium wilt has now Kim Parker, Crop Protection been confirmed in the UK on Scientist at AHDB, said: two nurseries in Lancashire since “Although the disease is more of October 2017, although earlier an issue under protection in outbreaks may have gone temperate climates like the UK, undiagnosed. Effective control little is known of the minimum measures for lettuce Fusarium and optimum temperatures Lettuce Fusarium wilt. Positive Open Farm Sunday survey The results of the LEAF Open to buy since visiting a LEAF Open Farm Sunday Manager support British farming by Farm Sunday visitor follow-up Open Farm Sunday event. said: “At LEAF we totally agree buying British produce.” survey, released last month, Defra Secretary of State with the Secretary of State that Registrations for this year’s highlight how important public Michael Gove cited LEAF Open public access is a public good. LEAF Open Farm Sunday opened access onto farms is to how Farm Sunday as a “great public With 84% of respondents who in November and 55% of consumers view British farmers initiative” during his address to visited a farm for LEAF Open farmers registered will be taking and farming. the Oxford Farming Conference Farm Sunday in 2017 saying part for the first time. There is Ninety-one percent of those (4th January) and explained that it had changed the way increased support for all farmers surveyed said that after visiting “how campaigns such as LEAF they think about farming, we this year including new a LEAF Open Farm Sunday event Open Farm Sunday help are urging all farmers to take resources, a new section for first last year, they were more reconnect urban dwellers with part this year on the 10th June. time host farmers, and plenty of appreciative of the work farmers the earth and that they also The benefits of LEAF Open case studies from farmers who do and 89% said they felt more help secure consent for Farm Sunday are proven and have previously opened their connected to the farmers that investment in the countryside as extensive, and for farmers it is gates offering advice and ideas. produce our food. Critically, for well as support for British one of the best possible ways to To find out more about taking farmers, 73% said they now produce.” show the public what you do part in LEAF Open Farm Sunday actively look for British produce Annabel Shackleton, LEAF’s and to encourage them to visit; www.farmsunday.org.
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•NEWS• 8 David Wilson joins Cheffins team
Cheffins, the leading second- business and provide specialist are sure that his wealth of forward to being able to use my hand machinery auctioneer advice to Cheffins’ extensive experience will help us to drive knowledge of the machinery throughout Europe, has customer base. Cheffins forward in all areas of industry within my new role.” appointed David Wilson as Led by Bill King and Bill the industry. As on-farm sales Machinery Valuer. Pepper, the Cheffins second- continue to increase in regularity David joins the Cambridgeshire hand machinery department has and with last year’s sales - based Cheffins team from gone from strength to strength grossing over £10m, David will Standen Engineering Ltd, where with 2017 reported as the most be essential in helping us to he held the role of Company profitable year for the sector consign some of the best Sales Director since 2010 and since 2013. equipment for the UK’s leading handled all UK and export sales. The on-site team has similarly on-site sales. In his new role, David will be seen unprecedented growth in “He is a particular specialist in working as the machinery valuer activity with 25 on-farm sales root crop equipment and we are for the on-site team, assisting taking place across the UK in looking forward to him being with Cambridge machinery sales 2017. able to provide advice on these at Sutton and applying his Bill King, Chairman of Cheffins items to our customer base and extensive knowledge of the root commented: “We are thrilled to to increase our sales of this type crop industry to attract new welcome David to the team and of machinery.” David Wilson, said: “Cheffins is a company with a great history Tong appoints new approved dealer and integrity within the farming community and I am pleased to for Scotland be joining a firm with such a Leading vegetable handling synergies.” strong reputation. The team at equipment manufacturer, Tong William Skea, UK Sales and Sutton has created an auction Engineering has announced the Service Director at ScanStone and valuation business which is appointment of ScanStone said; “We are very pleased to be unrivalled in the UK and I look David Wilson. potato systems as the company’s chosen as Tong’s new approved new approved dealer for dealer for Scotland. We have Scotland. Located just outside always respected Tong Greater transparency needed for Forfar, Angus, ScanStone is a equipment for its renowned family-owned and operated quality and progressive design. potato growers, says new NFU report business, designing and Adding Tong’s post-harvest Potato packers and processors “It is encouraging that we’ve manufacturing a wide range of product range alongside the can drive the sector forward by already seen one packer commit soil preparation equipment, built ScanStone range of in-field providing greater levels of to introducing a report for for UK and export markets. equipment will bring customers a information on crop quality to growers that sets out the levels of “ScanStone has an established complete solution, and we very growers, a new report by the NFU deductions on a load-by-load reputation within the industry for much look forward to working says. basis for the 2017/8 season, quality, reliability and excellent together to make Tong and Following a series of meetings demonstrating a willingness to service,” said Edward Tong, ScanStone potato systems the with the industry, the report improve communications. Managing Director of Tong number one choice throughout highlights the desire among “Of course, there is work for Engineering. “Our customer base the country.” growers for more information growers too. We found from our is very similar to ScanStone’s, The new Tong dealership at which can allow them, and the discussions that a closer both in the UK and overseas, and ScanStone will cover sales, service whole industry, to become more relationship with your customer is there are certainly some exciting and spares for Tong’s complete competitive and productive. absolutely key, and most packers opportunities for our two range of potato and vegetable The NFU highlighted earlier this and processors would like to see businesses to work together in handling equipment including year the need for greater clarity growers visit their facilities more Scotland, developing a complete advanced grading, cleaning, and transparency in the industry, often. Building that relationship offering from soil preparation washing, polishing and box after growers reported significant can allow you to feel comfortable through to crop handling and handling systems for seed and payment deductions with little or sharing any concerns. processing, whilst maximising our main crop potatoes and no explanation. Crucially, if a grower isn’t product and operational vegetables. NFU potato forum chairman Alex getting the information they need Godfrey said: “In order for all parts to improve their business, they of the industry to become more should ask for it. efficient, competitive and “The NFU is grateful for the co- profitable, growers need to know operation that packers and where they can improve their crop. processors have already shown It has been clear for some time and it is vital that this continues that a system for doing that did as we move onto the next stage not exist widely across the sector. of increasing transparency.” “To enable the industry to move ‘Bridging the Gap: Delivering forward, processors and packers greater transparency in the potato should share as much accurate supply chain’ was launched on detail on crop quality as possible Tuesday 19 December and can be Pictured, from left to right. Nick Woodcock, Tong (Sales Manager); Edward with growers. In the long run this viewed at; Tong, Tong (Managing Director); William Skea, Scanstone (UK Sales and will help the whole of the potato www.nfuonline.com/assets/ Service); Alison Skea, Scanstone (Export Sales and Service). industry benefit. 102881
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•NEWS• 9 ICL expands technical sales team
The speciality agriculture mine and I’ve conducted well as providing agronomic division of ICL has announced various collaborative projects in support to customers. “I the appointment of a new the agricultural and amenity wanted a new challenge, and technical sales manager, Dr turf sectors, trialling I’m looking forward to getting Richard Collins, who will be biostimulant products for plant out and about, forging joining the team in January. health and establishment, foliar relationships with our Richard comes from an fertilisers, and seed treatments. customers, and selling a great academic background, having These opportunities have range of quality products. The worked previously as a senior allowed me to build key sector is going through a lecturer and researcher in crop industry relationships that I’m period of change, bringing sciences at the University looking forward to enhancing about a certain level of Centre Myerscough, and is in my new role,” he says. uncertainty for growers. This is looking forward to applying Richard’s daily role will entail where I feel I can, and want to this skill set in his new role. ongoing technical development make, a real difference,” he ICL’s new technical sales manager, Dr “Research is a real passion of of the ICL product range, as says. Richard Collins. Hutchinsons appoint new Head of Marketing Crop Production specialists Hutchinsons has appointed Nick Rainsley as Head of Marketing. Mr Rainsley will lead Hutchinsons’ marketing team in support of their national agronomy colleagues and their developing range of market leading crop management services. Mr Rainsley, who has over 28 years of experience within the sector, initially as a successful agronomist and then as Head of a Marketing team since 2003, says; “It’s a very exciting time to be joining such a dynamic and forward-thinking business as Hutchinsons and I am very much looking
forward to being part of the team. “My aim is to support our agronomy, technical and service development teams in all aspects of their marketing and communications. We need to ensure that we fully understand the needs of our existing and future customers and highlight the opportunities and benefits that our agronomists and their services offer for their future,”says Mr Rainsley.
“As we plan for the future, it is essential that the Hutchinsons business continues to develop and deliver for growers the most profitable crop production solutions. We are delighted that Nick shares this vision,” says managing director, Andrew McShane.
Nick Rainsley.
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•CONSULTANTS’ VIEWPOINT• 10 CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE COMING YEAR To get an insight to current thinking and advice around a number of challenges and opportunities in the sector, The Vegetable Farmer (VF) spoke to five of the industry’s leading consultants to gauge their opinions. Adrian Tatum reports.
VF: In general, to what Phillip Effingham (PE): “It is extent do you feel Brexit will extremely difficult to make any have an impact on what is assumptions with regards to going on in the field and in impact as Government itself is the vegetable sector in unwilling (or unknowing) to general? pass through any detailed changes as yet. Being so close Andy Richardson (AR): to the exit date now, I feel there “Unfortunately I think it can can only be a more or less only have a negative effect in straight line adoption of current the short term. Medium to long EC environmental and Pesticide term this really depends on policies in order to maintain a what the negotiated deal looks smooth transit. Whether these like. However, the current stay in place in the longer term reduction in the value of the is open to debate.” pound versus the Euro is helping to reduce imports of Andrew Poole (AP): “The bulb onions from Holland, for current general uncertainty is example.” not helping to create any ‘feel
Andy Richardson. good’ factors within grower’s percentage of UK consumed businesses. On the one hand produce, especially vegetables, the low exchange rate is making and then to build trade from imported produce more abroad from this base, both expensive which in turn within the EU and outside. encourages buyers to look more However, what growers closely at home grown produce, actually grow needs thinking but the flip side of this is that about. This especially relates to specialist machinery bought in variety, shape and size, and from abroad has increased in whether this is really what cost. Eastern European workers consumers want now and in the are also feeling uneasy.” future. Does this really work for your business? Now is a great Robert Meakin (RM): “We time to consider in detail what are currently in the same farm businesses want to do for position as pre-voting. We still the future and how effective haven’t been offered sufficient each supply chain is in information to offer an opinion. delivering value to consumers I strongly suspect that all food and growers.” costs will escape the process. If government bears any VF: What do you see as the responsibility for food security main agronomy/growing then it will cost tax payers related challenges facing money to support the industry.” vegetable growers and what advice would you give? Anonymous (This person responded to our questions AR: “There is still massive but did not want their name pressure on price and this set revealed) (Anon): “Personally, I against increasing variable costs see it as a wonderful mean that margins (where they opportunity for UK growers, exist) will continue to be with their great reputation for squeezed. Labour costs are quality, to supply a greater increasing and labour is getting
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•CONSULTANTS’ VIEWPOINT• 11 scarcer as eastern European throughout the chain through migrant worker return home. careful programming to The agronomy challenges will be customer need, sound focused around the diminishing agronomy practice, efficient pesticide armoury and harvesting and post handling increasing resistance issues.” with all participants clearly focussed on target PE: “Clear challenges exist for performances. The supply chain the growing base to maintain still continues to waste 50% of an effective pesticide armoury to the potential field output.” face both current and oncoming challenges. Both industry and AP: “Availability of labour is legislators must develop a better certainly a big challenge at working relationship to ensure present and the National Living timescales allow for approval Wage increases are putting changes without disrupting extra pressure on already over production momentum. stretched budgets with The retail competition isn’t customers resistant to likely to change in the medium acknowledge these increases in term which has constantly put costs. Finance is becoming more pressure on the growing difficult to secure in order to margins for some time now. fund and address these Such pressure has resulted in increases in costs. ongoing supply base While some good inroads into Phillip Effingham. consolidation but unfortunately research and development must volume increases only give a be acknowledged we are still example in order to help the sector is very high and not temporary respite on unit lacking in some departments alleviate the labour shortfall and supported financially under the overheads. where cost saving techniques at the same time help generate current fiscal parameters. For In order to sustain production, could be explored and more interest in the industry veg production labour will growers must firstly ensure the implemented. In order to from a younger, more tech- become a significant efficient use of crop inputs, address the labour shortage and driven or ‘techy’ interested problem. The only option here is purchased at the best possible cost increases, we should be generation.” to mechanise. Unfortunately, price. Secondly, yield must be spending more money on the sector’s output optimisation optimised by reduction of waste looking into robotics for RM: “Capital investment in has been hampered for a long
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•CONSULTANTS’ VIEWPOINT• 12 their exact life cycle details, come from the same field, it what triggers them and how to might help stop this rot.” understand when they are really significant pest and what they Anon: “Insights from data to are sensitive and resistant to, so drive better and more timely upping the information flows. decision making about lots of To give this kind of site-specific aspects of growing, from guidance will become more fertiliser use and timing, water vital. Similar logic would apply use and timing, to the to understanding site-specific application of any pesticides.” disease also.” VF: How is the VF: What are vegetable development of technology growers demanding right related to precision farming now in terms of advice to and more accurate collection help them in the field? of data from the field helping growers? AR: “Getting better value from inputs such as using AR: “There has been a great forecasts (pest/disease) to time deal of interest in ‘precision pesticide applications; more farming’ over the past 5 years. accurate placing of fertiliser; PF techniques such as variable variable rate fertiliser rate fertiliser, CTF, canopy applications etc.” sensing for N applications and more recently vision guided spot PE: “Generally, growers need sprayers all tick the box of specific advice in overcoming getting more for less and particular crop production maintaining/increasing margins. challenges in order to maintain I am excited by this technology yield and quality. Often the and as a business we are solution is more holistic than continually on the lookout for Andrew Poole. perhaps the immediate issue better more efficient ways of suggests, as so many quality growing and storing crop.” while since the demise of the being renewed. Each year it issues are created by Ministry of Agriculture and requires more consideration and contradicting crop production PE: “Undoubtedly the organisations such as ADAS. greater use of integrated crop processes whether it be soil developments in precision My recommendation would be management regimes, longer condition, nutrition or farming and the ever-improving to burden and expand rotations, better selection of approaches to disease control.” data/knowledge bank will prove universities and colleges with fields and soil types and better invaluable in addressing the strong agriculture related links utility of nutrients and AP: “Probably very similar challenges of cost with the provision of advice for irrigation. This does mean that demands to those we’ve always reduction/waste reduction/yield growers similar to systems used the industry is moving towards striven towards with reduced improvement mentioned earlier. in the USA and Scotland.” fewer, high-quality, larger, more input costs and increased yields I can see this will continue to professional businesses that as this is seen as the way to greater heights in the future. Anon: “Most professional grow specific crops over a wider help their businesses survive. In the vegetable sector, I have growers will say that the geography. Growers are becoming very a concern that the cost of challenges of growing are Personally, I look for more and good at liaising with their precision farming techniques getting harder each year, as better site-specific information. customers in order to find out coupled with automation, will pesticides that have been the For example, it is becoming what they should be growing dramatically increase the capital main ‘supports’ of various increasingly important to for the marketplace today and investment required to progress agronomy regimes, are not understand more about pests- the resultant new varieties and and we must ask the question crop types they explore all have as to whether current crop their own agronomic and profit margins in field scale husbandry requirements which vegetable productions sustain pose new problems almost such investment.” daily.” AP: “It will be helpful in the RM: “More than half the The leading UK manufacturer of future but much of it is still rubber grading screens for all support growers request is non- several years away from fruition. types of grading equipment. agronomic. It has its place but It’s good to understand the it’s too much, too pervasive and variability of crop establishment • Rubber grading screens over demanding. It’s not going and consequently yields, but not • Rubber web covers to help the industry expand. The many growers have the facilities • Sample riddles Red Tractor scheme should by to respond to these identified • Perforated washer belts now have covered all the bases, variations in a meaningful way but it lacks teeth and support. yet.” Contact AGRI-WEB Ltd Tel: +44 (0)28 91 275913 This is why the supermarkets Web: www.agri-web.co.uk continue their differentiation. If RM: “Location specific advice E-mail: [email protected] the shoppers knew that say a should be used as often as can Lidl and Sainsbury product can be afforded. Sadly, the intensity
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•CONSULTANTS’ VIEWPOINT• 13 benchmarking in this area.” harvest automation in order to reduce the repetitious manual VF: If we were to give you inputs which make our Industry £50,000 to kick-start a so unattractive to new research project, what entrants.” would you invest the money in? AP: “Investment is required in the R&D of automation as this is AR: “Soil-borne diseases have an immediate issue but we still been particularly problematic need to push on with soil this season primarily because of science and nutrition as well as the weather we’ve had. Warm having a strategy for P&D soils in May/June followed by a resistances and plant husbandry relatively wet end to July and in order that the UK doesn’t wet August, have meant high drop behind other competitive levels of clubroot in brassicas countries.” and Fusarium basal rot in bulb onions. RM: “I would invest in remote Basal rot has been increasing sensing.” steadily over the past 10 years and is now the biggest cause of Anon: “I would like to set out unmarketability in stored onion to accurately measure inputs crops. When do I get the cash and sales outputs from a range Robert Meakin. and do you need my bank of fields over a season, for three account details?” types of vegetable crops, to of sampling for some things, data sets need to be able to talk understand more about all such as soil make it an to each other. We still have PE: “Although it sounds a aspects of the details of each expensive pastime.” many fields being grown where formidable sum, I’m afraid £50K field. This work would be aimed the growers don’t know exactly doesn’t go very far when at maximising field marketable Anon: “Insights from data what is going on, row by row engaging research output versus costs and use of collected are critical. Probably and how much of each row is organisations. If it was purely inputs. I believe that the insights the best trick to learn is to get being sold and at what price. used to kickstart a research from this sort of detail of clear insights from the data that So, we need more data control topic, then I would definitely measurement would be very you are being given and also and insights as well as invest in harvest and post- useful.”
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•FLN CONTROL• 14 SOLUTIONS FOR EFFECTIVE FLN CONTROL As carrot and parsnips crops are drilled, Free Living NEMguard DE, which we have used on all of our parsnip crops. Nematode (FLN) control will be a key concern for many. I think it’s important not to rely Rebecca Beaumont investigates current pressure levels solely upon one mode of action,” he says. and potential solutions for managing the yield robbing pest. New developments ne of the biggest that Root-Knot Nematode can Howard explains that research influences on crop cause severe damage to carrot into alternative methods of FLN OOdamage by FLN is the and parsnip crops and that control is an ongoing priority in weather, explains Independent numbers have increased in recent Europe. “Cover crops combined carrot and parsnip agronomist, years. This is perhaps due to with black fallow periods are Howard Hinds. warmer soils, and the shrinking being trialled in Europe and have “FLN pressure was moderate land base that we have to grow seen promising results,” he says. last year due to dry conditions in these crops. Although these control the early part of the season, but “However, to grow our James Bramley, vegetable manager methods are mainly being used in recent years when conditions knowledge base and make more at MH Poskitt. in organic systems, as they have were wetter in April and May informed decisions on how to much more control over their we’ve seen higher levels of tackle this threat, we need to get with a good rotation,” says rotations, he explains that this is damage. Rainfall makes it easier smarter with sampling, which James. something he plans to for the pest to move around the might mean increasing the “We try to maintain clean implement on organic farms in soil profile, increasing feeding frequency of testing,” he says. stubble over the winter by the UK. activity on smaller roots and “At present we have little controlling weed volunteers. “The James Hutton Institute causing significant damage. historical data, so are unable to We’ve found that certain weeds, has also been looking at a However, it can also make FLN monitor trends, but widening such as shepherds purse and molecular test for FLN – an sampling less accurate.” the sampling areas and Field Pansies, can host FLN over advancement on the present Howard explains that as tests increasing the number of tests the colder months, so we’ve visual method. This is still in for FLN usually occur once a year, could influence better land made a proactive effort to break development, but is promising choice decisions and also help to the cycle where we can.” for the future of FLN control. reduce nematicide usage.” However, James adds that like “As soon as a carrot crop is He adds that increased many root crop growers, most of drilled it’s open to an sampling will have a cost the land is rented, meaning this unbelievable level of risk, be it implication, but as nematicides isn’t always an option. “In these through FLN or cavity spot, so are the second biggest pesticide situations, we have no control it’s important to do everything cost for carrot and parsnip crops, over the preceding crop or possible to ensure damage to the potential savings are huge. previous inputs. And as our the crop is minimised from day “We’ve learnt to accept that 5- crops can sometimes follow turf, one,” says Howard. 6% crop loss from FLN is the we’ve found the amount of FLN With this in mind, Selchuk ‘norm’, but ultimately this is not is often higher. Working Kurtev, IPM Manager at Certis acceptable. The UK produces alongside Howard we are adds how they have also 700,000 tonnes of carrots a year, increasing our sampling to get invested in carrot and parsnip so the value of this loss soon the most accurate picture of the trials, to provide a better adds up.” pest pressure we’ll have to understanding on how to get manage. the best out of biorationals such Independent carrot and parsnip Pest management “We’ve also been using as, NEMguard DE. “We‘ve agronomist, Howard Hinds. James Bramley, vegetable alternative nematicides in our already seen incidental activity in the autumn or early spring, manager at MH Poskitt, is root vegetable crops and have on cavity spot in a recent trial, FLN will be more active and responsible for their carrot and had good results with a garlic which is an exciting development mobile depending on if the parsnip crops in the Yorkshire based biorational nematicide, for the sector,” he says. weather is wet or dry, what time and North Lincolnshire area, and of day it is and even what week has experienced high incidences the test is taken on. This means of FLN in the past. “FLN and that results can differ widely. incidental fanging can be a big “FLN sampling should be an problem for us with the integral part of any root crop percentage of affected crop planning process, but the data being anything up to 10% across can be hard to interpret,” he our cropping area,” he says. explains. “Quite often the figures “Last year we experienced that the farmer gets back don’t average pressure with fanging always relate to the damage they levels of around 5% across the will then find in the field.” board, however, we anticipate an Having provided advice to the increase in pest pressure this carrot sector for over 20 years, year. As we’re constantly striving Howard adds that little is known to grow the best quality crop we about the pest at a practical can, management of risk is key level, in particular which species and as such we implement an are most damaging. “We know integrated approach which starts FLN and incidental fanging can be a big problem for carrot and parsnip growers.
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•POTATO CONFERENCE• 16 UPDATING AGRONOMISTS ON LATEST POTATO RESEARCH
Last December may have seen the eleventh annual AHDB issues for blight scouts, particularly Agronomist’s Conference, but it was only the second time earlier in the that a potato day has been held in advance of the cereals season, but overall, agenda on the following day. However, a good turnout “both Hutton Criteria and Smith showed how popular the format is and how the Periods performed reputation of the event is growing in the potato sector. well this year,” she Richard Crowhurst reports. said. “There was less regional variation with the elcoming delegates, Dr Alison Lees of the James Hutton Criteria and AHDB Potatoes Chair Hutton Institute provided some alerts matched up WWDr Sophie Churchill comfort by stating that quite well with emphasised that despite the fungicide insensitivity in late outbreaks of current price challenges, the blight is rare, but added that blight.” She added: mood of the industry the agronomists and researchers “We saw more month before in Harrogate had need to “look at ‘what ifs?’ alerts than been very upbeat. such as new genotypes of the predicted this year, “I have been massively disease, loss of current but this coincides impressed with the resilience of chemistry and weather Siobhán Dancey explained how the new Hutton with it being a the industry,” she said. conditions which are more Criteria had performed in predicting late blight in warmer, wetter “[Agronomists] are the conducive to the disease. 2017. year.” powerhouse of what we are Her aim is to combine existing negotiating in the future; AHDB knowledge and monitoring, more than 660 samples PCN control is working for you to maintain such as the Fight Against Blight delivered to the James Hutton Other crop protection the competitiveness and campaign and EuroBlight, with Institute of which ¾ have been challenges faced by potato sustainability of your industry.” new in-field sampling genotyped. Half of these proved producers include potato cyst techniques to detect spores and to be the common 6_A1 strain, nematode (PCN), post-harvest Blight update adjust spray programmes but there was a significant issues such as soft rots, and One of the main concerns of according to the risk of increase in the 37_A2 type (also changes to the availability of any potato agronomist is late infection. However, she known as Dark Green 37) which crop protection products. In blight: spotting it and acknowledged that the damage was found in Kent, the terms of PCN, soil sampling controlling it. It was therefore caused by uncontrolled blight Midlands and northern remains the key method of fitting that the first session could make growers and their England. understanding pest pressure, addressed these topics, agronomists reluctant to adopt “Although the pathogen is but Jon Pickup of the Scottish including new developments in any approach which had the forming new clones, these Government’s Science & Advice spore detection, and an potential to reduce protection don’t seem to be aggressive,” for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) overview of the 2017 season. levels on the crop. said David. “37_A2 was division stressed that techniques Dr David Cooke detected in the fluazinam plot are not foolproof and that there of the James of the Eurofins blight trials.” A is no room for shortcuts when Hutton Institute press release on the strain’s sampling. reflected on insensitivity to fluazinam was “Take as large an initial another year of late issued by Wageningen sample as is practicable,” he blight monitoring University & Research in The stressed. The sampling protocol and provided an Netherlands in June.” He also under the EU’s PCN directive overview of the pointed out that tuber blight is calls for 100 cores giving 1,500 latest information a factor and that 37_A2 was ml of soil per ha based on on two new found in many samples last Dutch modelling, but Jon genotypes seen for year. “We need to rethink the pointed out that “In North the first time in the timing and use of fluazinam,” America they will take UK: 39_A1 and he added. “The inoculum in considerably more than that. 36_A2. your crops is coming from last The less soil you process the Acknowledging the year.” less chance you have of help and support Having previously presented detecting PCN,” he added. “A of the blight scout the ‘Hutton Criteria’ as an soil sample that is clear does network, he added, improved predictive model for not mean the field is free of “We’ve learnt a lot late blight over traditional PCN.” about these Smith Periods, the James Consequently, management of genotypes.” Hutton Institute’s Siobhán the field, including rotation, 2017 saw a total Dancey discussed how well the variety selection and the use of of 158 blight model had stood up in 2017. biofumigants all need to reflect outbreaks reported Changes to the Fight Against this. As well as testing for the David Cooke of the James Hutton Institute. by 47 scouts, with Blight website have caused presence (and species) of PCN,
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•POTATO CONFERENCE• 18 increasingly sampling is being biorational crop biological products includes used to try to quantify protection products reducing chemical residues, and populations both within and is increasing in a while biological products have across fields, although this can range of crops. to undergo efficacy trials in be even less reliable. David Chandler of order to gain approval, some “The quantity of soil tested, the University of produce variable results when eggs per cyst and the number Warwick explained used by growers. “There is a of cores taken all determine the how the multi- real need to improve spray accuracy of any population partner AMBER application and companies are estimates,” he warned. “Larger project is looking at not doing enough to ensure soil samples provide more the use of that a sufficient dose of the accurate population estimates biopesticides in product reaches the target at and you should take a protected the right time and in the right minimum of 49 cores per ha. horticulture and way,”” he added. “We need a For very high PCN populations how their use could new green revolution in small sub-samples of 100 grams be expanded into biological crop protection.” are acceptable, but if you are field crops. growing intolerant varieties on Pointing out that Soil health and light sandy soils 400 gram sub- biological products irrigation samples give much more are not Another key element in IPM is confident results.” replacements for crop rotation and Marc Allison of Better data would also traditional NIAB CUF and Lancashire potato increase the confidence with David Chandler says that using biological crop chemistry, David grower Andrew Webster which the PCN calculator protection will also help to preserve the efficacy of said; “We must be discussed how a partnership chemical-based pesticides. presented by Bill Watts of working to retain approach is helping to address Harper Adams University can be Biological products and the efficacy of the pesticides we the current yield plateau seen in used. “The calculator is a useful IPM have at the moment as some arable and potato crops by tool but probably a bit under Traditional chemical-based 600 species have evolved improving crop rotations and soil used,” he said, adding that trial crop protection products resistance to one or more health. “We can move on soils work suggested that some of continue to come under pesticides and the number of when we shouldn’t and we can the varieties being used were pressure for various regulatory, active ingredients we have cause a lot of damage,” pointed more tolerant of PCN than had environmental and efficacy available is going to reduce out Marc. “The general previously been thought. reasons, and the use of even further.” Another driving perception is that the loss of integrated crop protection and factor in the uptake of organic matter, coupled with
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•POTATO CONFERENCE• •LIME USE• 19 commented. He also said that for him, direct drilling cover MUCH MORE TO crops was counterproductive: LIME USE THAN “It was the second most expensive PH CORRECTION establishment technique as we by Richard Crowhurst didn’t get the crop, despite it being a Speak to many fertiliser advisors and they will express cheap operation. concerns about falling applications of lime in British We are also trying to see which agriculture. The British Survey of Fertiliser Practice for mixtures give us the 2015 showed continued low levels of liming, with a 5 best fumigation and year average showing that just 8.5 per cent of arable land most organic matter. The benefits is being limed annually, equivalent to liming on a 12 year of cover crops may cycle. For 2016 the average figure for arable land fell not just be benefits further to just 6.4 per cent. The AHDB grower platform is using a combination to yield.” of researcher experiments and grower trials, Mark Stalham of explained Marc Allison of NIAB CUF. NIAB CUF then went any non-silt soil types Romans discovered that paying on to discuss require regular liming attention to the balance other factors, is limiting soil various different irrigation MMto maintain optimum between acidity and alkalinity performance agronomically and scheduling models showing that pH. The 2016/17 Tried & Tested provided the optimal growing economically.” The AHDB in many cases it is possible to Professional Agricultural environment for crops,” he Rotations Project, which runs reduce the overall amount of Analysis Group Survey showed continues. “However, because until 2022, aims to use both water used while maintaining that 40 per cent of arable soil it’s been known about for so researcher experiments and on- yields. In trials at Elvedon Farms, samples were below pH 6.5. long it’s been taken for farm grower trials to determine delaying irrigation by one day if With pH being a logarithmic granted.” practical actions which growers the weather forecast indicated scale (i.e. a pH of 6 is 10 times In the late 1930s, as part of can use to reverse long term more than a 50 per cent chance more acidic than pH 7), at pH’s efforts to boost UK agricultural declines in soil quality. of rain the following day had below 5.5 to 6.0, the productivity, the government One of the farms taking part is saved 254,000 cu m of water availability of both macro and introduced a subsidy for lime AW & MA Webster near Ormskirk over two years. “Nearly half the micro nutrients is reduced, applications which provided and Andrew Webster described water use in some varieties is with around two thirds of N, P around two-thirds of the cost some of his trials with using driven by scab control,” he and K being unavailable at a of the material, haulage and cover crops to preserve soils and cautioned. “However our soils pH 4.5. application, and this led to a remove excess winter rainfall aren’t behaving like lysimeters “Agricultural lime and pH are comprehensive database of the prior to cultivation. “We have to and this work is about giving inextricably linked,” says materials and where they were get on the fields when we can growers confidence.” Stephen Hill of the Agricultural applied. and we use cover crops to dry Another form of partnership Lime Association (ALA). “If you However, financial support them out. Oil radish is really is sharing data with don’t get the pH level of your for agricultural lime good at drying the land out,” he benchmarking applications and soil right then you are not applications was removed in Mark Topliff of providing yourself with the 1976 and Hill says that since AHDB Farm optimum conditions to then there has been a steady Economics maximise output.” In fact, the reduction in the use of lime: explained some of influence of pH on crop “Back in the 1960s lime use in the benefits of growth has been understood the UK was in the region of 7 taking part in such for thousands of years. “The million tonnes a year; today we schemes for both growers and agronomists. “Why as agronomists should you bother?” he asked. “We’re all looking for growers to be more successful.” He went on to describe AHDB’s free Farmbench tool which can be used by individuals or a group of clients, urging AHDB’s Mark Topliff urged agronomists to make use agronomists to of benchmarking tools such as the new Farmbench consider using it system to improve their client’s performance. for their clients. Applying LimeX. (British Sugar LimeX).
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•LIME USE• 20 are looking at around 2.5 provide most of your million tonnes. Because of this phosphate and magnesium steady reduction, there has requirements as well.” also been a reduction in the The benefits of Ca from lime interaction between producers in controlling diseases such as of agricultural lime and clubroot in brassicas have also farmers,” he adds. been recognised for some “Lime use is something that time. “Elevating your pH will needs to be emphasised all the not eradicate clubroot, but it time as there is some evidence will inhibit development of the from national and company disease where it is present. In surveys that people are tending Lincolnshire a lot of vegetable to use less lime and that soil producers used to aim for 7.5 pH is dropping,” agrees as an average figure, if not a Professor Steve McGrath of little bit higher to try an inhibit Rothamsted Research. “If pH clubroot,” points out Stephen drops outside the British Sugar’s LimeX is available to growers across the UK. (British Sugar Hill. However, ongoing recommended range, which for LimeX). research suggests that regular arable crops is 6.5 and above, lime use could also have then you begin to lose etc. Then you can select produced from sugar beet benefits for other diseases and potential yield and you have different lime types with processing and sold by British crop quality issues. decreased the efficiency of the different neutralising factors Sugar as LimeX. “It’s also “With LimeX, the rapid fertilisers that are added. You from a drop down menu. The important to think about the calcium boost, which combines might think you are saving on model takes into account all level of available calcium. Just with a step change in pH one thing, but you’re probably these different factors to give because you have a reasonable relative to soil type, has proven not getting the real value out you a very specific requirement of the nutrients that you have to get from the starting pH to bought and put on to the the desired pH. crop.” “It works very well and we’ve He points out that the used it over a twenty year importance of pH also depends period for controlling the pH on the fertiliser being used: on our long term experiments, “For example urea tends to and found it very useful for bind to the soil as it gets imposing specific pH targets on mineralised to ammonium, a particular plot of land,” says which is then converted to Prof McGrath. Another change nitrate and tends to acidify the made in the most recent soil. Ammonium sulphate is update was to remove a the classic example and people regional correction factor for using these materials do have the effects of acid rain on soil to keep an eye on their pH and pH, as reduced pollution since lime regularly to counteract the the 1980s means the effects of effects of these nitrogen acid rain on soils are now LimeX applied to stubble before incorporation. (British Sugar LimeX). sources.” negligible. pH doesn’t mean that available to be highly effective in However, lime has other calcium levels are sufficient to clubroot suppression,” says RothLime model benefits besides buffering pH. sustain strong healthy crops,” Richard Cogman. “We are also Rothamsted has recently “I don’t think growers always warns Richard Cogman, LimeX seeing increased use of LimeX updated its longstanding understand that calcium (and manager. “LimeX is a to help suppress cavity spot in RothLime model which magnesium) carbonate does precipitated calcium carbonate, cruciferae, however this provides guidance on lime two things,” stresses Stephen so it’s very fine and provides pathogen is much more applications. “RothLime started Hill. “The carbonate element, very rapid pH buffering, but unpredictable, and results are 15-20 years ago when we were which is the chemical base, also increases the available more variable – the easy one is looking at the effect of lime on neutralises acidity. However calcium in the soil. It also clubroot! several of our experiments at calcium lime products (calcium contains phosphate, “To put minds at rest for Rothamsted,” Prof McGrath oxide, calcium hydroxide, magnesium and sulphur so it is those growers using LimeX for explains. “We tested the first calcium carbonate and calcium quite different to a straight clubroot suppression in version using several sites silicate) will all also supply calcium carbonate from a rotation with potatoes, we around the country on calcium as a plant nutrient as limestone or a chalk source. have conducted four years of different soil types and initially well. If you are using “For example, if you are fully replicated field trials over it ran on a PC with the BASIC magnesium carbonate (which using LimeX as a maintenance a range of soil types with programming language. is mainly found in north dressing, or to help prevent LimeX on Maris Piper for “About a year ago we made Nottinghamshire and South cavity spot in carrots, then 7.5 common scab reduction. This it into an online app on our Yorkshire), then you will be tonnes per ha of LimeX is isn’t something that you would website so that people don’t getting magnesium as a plant going to supply at least 75 encourage everyone to do: it’s have to mess about with nutrient as well as the kg/ha of P2O5 as well as 50kg about understanding the soil installing software. You can neutralisation effect.” of MgO and 40 kg of sulphate analysis, the level of available tailor the model for your (SO3), all of which contribute calcium and the varietal risk particular situation, for LimeX to your nutrient management before making a decision. example whether it’s grassland As well as mineral forms of plan. Using LimeX for pH and Results in subsequent or arable, pH range, soil type, lime, agricultural lime is also calcium management can often commercial crops have shown
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•LIME USE• 21 significant improvement in skin least 40 per cent of the benchmark within the UK finish, reinforcing the value of product passing through a 150 fertiliser sector for the trial work that is all based micron sieve. Of more concern agricultural lime upon good science and are random on farm checks products. It is an statistical analysis. We’ll showing that some products industry-led initiative that continue to work with the have less than 10 per cent requires all participating potato organisations,” he says. passing the 150 micron sieve. lime producers to “It’s important to emphasise This will provide poor pH undertake annual tests to that we are taking this new buffering and may never break check they are compliant approach forward in a down.” with UK national or EU measured and targeted way. regulatory standards. The We haven’t yet looked at the AgLime Quality standard includes tests to long term storage benefits of Standard measure reactivity, higher calcium in tubers, but I To address some of these neutralising value, would expect to see a decrease issues, the ALA has created a fineness as well as The new AgLime Quality Standard (AQS) aims in issues like internal rust spot new AgLime Quality Standard calcium and magnesium to give farmers confidence in the quality of if we are increasing calcium.” (AQS) so that farmers have content. Reactivity, a new the lime they are buying. (Agricultural Lime British Sugar is also working confidence in the quality of the efficacy factor in the UK Association). with PGRO to look at potential lime they are buying. “We’re measures the balance of benefits in damping off in introducing this quality neutralising value and fineness they have looked at putting peas, and there is evidence to standard because we know providing guidance on a lime into liquid suspension. suggest some activity reducing that there are some quality products speed of reaction. This could enable farmers to aphanomyces, with more work issues in the country,” says Hill. Going forward the new apply lime themselves, and planned in 2018. “We are introducing a standard standard will be backed with a also allow different Richard Cogman also stresses and a mark by which people database of registered supplies formulations of product that growers and agronomists can clearly see that the product available through a new app according to need, for example need to think carefully about that they are getting will be which will include an updated for rapid pH buffering or long the quality of the lime they are guaranteed to be of the quality version of the ALA’s online term pH maintenance.” using. “Fineness is what lime that it’s supposed to be, so lime calculator, but Stephen Another recent development quality is all about, neutralising that it is fit for purpose and Hill feels that the industry can is the introduction of value or ‘NV’ is one part of the will provide the level of efficacy go even further. “Application granulated or pelletized lime story,” he says. “A quality ag- that growers require to treat techniques are also something products which also offer lime should offer a neutralising their problem.” that we need to give serious handing and applications value of around 50 NV, with at The AQS is the first assurance consideration to. In France benefits to growers.
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•FERTILISER EFFICIENCY• 22 SUSTAINABLE FERTILISER USE TO BENEFIT BOTH CROPS & ENVIRONMENT
How can growers use modern analysis and application in the nutritional quality of technology to improve fertiliser use, both to make it more food since the start of the twentieth century, he urged sustainable and improve yields and profitability? That was the entire food chain to work the key question posed at a recent Sustainability together to address the issue. Conference on the Future of Fertilisation held at He also pointed out that changing climatic conditions Stockbridge Technology Centre (STC), which also would also change the way in presented details of Innovate UK’s Tru-Nject project. which fertilisers work and plants’ requirements for Richard Crowhurst reports. nutrients at different stages of growth. “We have very little n his introduction, STC That question was discussed, resilience in our farming chief executive Graham if not answered, by systems to cope with changes IIWard OBE addressed both independent soils expert Neil in climate, and when we drop Brexit and the future Fuller who pointed out that fertilisers into the soil they are challenges facing agricultural while the addition of 64 subject to all sorts of different production. “We ought to look million hungry people each factors,” he said. at the future of agriculture in a year to the global population Soil temperature, pH and way that improves the product presented huge challenges, it moisture deficit all affect the and the overall environment,” also creates opportunities for availability of key nutrients. he stressed. farmers and growers. Pointing out that increasing “We are talking about the “Farming needs to increase soil organic matter by one per better agronomic management in productivity by two per cent cent can increase soil water Soil expert Neil Fuller. of outdoor crops: how do you per year,” he warned. “But it’s holding capacity by 150-200 get a crop in the field which not just about quantity, it’s tonnes per hectare (equivalent 2010, and increasing use of maximises its growth and also about quality.” to 15-20 mm of rain), he fertiliser placement and repeats itself year after year?” Highlighting a drastic decline continued: “Managing soil variable rate application, James structure and carbon can have Holmes of ADHB said that it a huge impact on fertiliser “had fallen out of favour.” efficiency. These factors are all He explained the background manageable so we can make to the latest version which was changes, and by increasing soil published by AHDB in the carbon we could mitigate summer of 2017. Reiterating man-made climate change in Neil’s comments, he said, “Soil one or two generations. That’s is complex, but we can break a hugely positive story.” things down and understand it Improving soil health and quite well. Soil structure is biology, such as using under- important, but it is how things sown cover crops to increase come together in the nitrogen fixing organisms such environment that’s vital.” as Mycorrhiza and Among other things, he rhizobacteria, has the potential stressed the importance of soil to reduce agriculture’s carbon pH in making nutrients footprint by improving the available, warning that for efficiency of nitrogen many soils pH levels were now Precision Fertiliser Application fertilisers, as well as reducing above optimal values. “Rates with the Team Front Mounted other environmental effects of liming are below what we such as runoff and pollution. expect them to be,” he Application Systtemm “By reducing artificial N we warned. could transform agriculture James also said that part of Now with Müller and its environmental impact. the redesign of RB209 It is about driving carbon and included a field assessment Spraylight Rate energy back into the soil and method which could be carried Control as a providing nutrition back to the out in the office, although it standard option plant,” he concluded. was up to growers whether they felt actual soil nitrogen New RB209 measurements were necessary Since 1973 ‘RB209’ has been in addition to the calculated For further information, please get in touch. the key source of advice and values. “It is important to get guidance for crop nutrition the soil type and soil category team-sprayers.com • 01353 661 121 requirements and applications, correct, and you also need to but with the last edition of the consider cover crops as the last Fertiliser Manual published in thing you want to do is to
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•FERTILISER EFFICIENCY• 23
The liquid fertiliser injection system, with the tank mounted on the front of the tractor. over apply nitrogen,” he meter-by-meter and bed-by- explained. With this in mind bed to maximise the efficiency the new version of RB209 has and consistency of nitrogen reintroduced the concept of applications. yield adjustments for nitrogen “Cranfield’s online scanning recommendations. system is very much an R&D “High yielding crops require model, but the final stage of a greater quantity of N,” he this project can be a pointed out. “Take the commercial prospect,” stressed previous five yields for that Dave George of STC. “It is crop and discard the highest continuously mapping the soil and lowest values, then to build soil fertility maps.” average the remaining three The data from a single pass values.” However, he also of the scanner was then stressed that growers and compared to physical soil agronomists should trust their samples from the field. “We own knowledge and needed to know how accurate experience or particular soils these maps are,” pointed out and crops, “[RB209] is a guide. Dave. “This is where the maths You know that better than bit comes in, but the result anyone else.” was more than 95 per cent accuracy. The system models Tru-Nject project soil fertility metrics with a high Funded by Innovate UK and degree of accuracy and can run by a consortium including layer other data on top. The Cranfield University, STC and more data, the more accurate precision farming specialists we can become.” Manterra Limited, the Tru-Nject While the Tru-Nject project project aims to provide high- had combined the scanner resolution data on soil fertility data with fertiliser injection in and then couple this with the order to deliver the nitrogen accurate and consistent directly to the moist root zone, placement of nutrients. Dave stressed that the benefits Three seasons of field testing from variable rate application of the system at commercial of other forms of fertiliser field scale has combined the would also be beneficial. use of N placement Different trials with both technologies together with a surface application and vis-NIRS soil sensor from injection showed that in some Cranfield. This sensor, which is situations the biggest yields (of attached to a subsoiler, cereal crops) were obtained by provides up to 1,500 readings evening out overall N (by per ha, which means that applying more N in the areas using the spoke-wheel below with the lowest fertility), while ground injector supplied by in others boosting N in the Manterra, liquid nitrogen most fertile parts of the soil applications can be varied provided the biggest margin.
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•FERTILISER EFFICIENCY• •RIVERFORD TRIALS• 24 to fertiliser. We have to make money and if we get the decision wrong the profit GROWERS TAKE penalty can be severe.” Despite these caveats, he TRIALS INTO THEIR stressed that both the form of fertiliser and the way it is OWN HANDS applied affect the uptake of fertiliser by the plant. “The A group of west-country vegetable growers is taking part balance of the consensus is that liquid stands a better in the Innovative Farmers network’s latest round of ‘field chance as there is less impact lab’ projects to look at the benefits of zone tillage and from a lack of soil moisture,” he explained. ways to manage leaf blights in organic spinach and “In the past government chard. Spence Gunn visits trials sponsor Riverford to data was quite critical of urea hear about their plans. and I think the volatilisation losses were overplayed; having said that, you don’t want to ould organic spinach of organic food. be surface applying urea in an and chard be less “This is the first time we have un-stabilised form. It is WWsusceptible to leaf been involved in the ‘field extremely difficult to get blights if grown from hot- labs’,” said Riverford founder ammonium fertiliser into the water-treated seed? And could Guy Singh-Watson. “All farmers Dr. Dave George of Stockbridge plant in a field situation as it is organic growers improve profit and growers do their own Technology Centre. often broken down into margins on some transplanted small-scale trials but we need The trials also supported the nitrate, but more ammonium crops by planting directly to invest more in this kind of use of liquid products over occurs in better healthier through an existing green R&D. Too much [of the UK’s solid fertilisers. soils.” manure, rather than chopping research] is about “The best returns all used the and incorporating it agrochemicals and other scanning system,” explained Placement and beforehand? products. What most farmers Dave. “However, it’s very injection Trials in 2018 co-sponsored and growers, particularly important to get the modelling Placement and injection can by Riverford Organic Farmers as organic farmers and growers, right. This is a tool for help to overcome some of part of the Innovative Farmers need is research that’s agronomists and the fertility these problems by putting the Field Labs programme are knowledge intensive, not map needs to be interpreted fertiliser directly in the soil and aiming to find answers to both product intensive, and most of to turn it into an application close to the root zone. Andrew questions. The details were what we are talking about in map. The reduced variability in pointed out that while many planned by a meeting of these ‘field labs’ is sharing application is also a benefit vegetable crops are already researchers, and the growers knowledge.” and we have seen similar grown with fertiliser benefits field vegetables during placement, there is a challenge the first two years of trials.” in using the technique in Despite the positives, a note arable crops. of caution was sounded by His solution is the use of a technology provider and point injection system, which farmer Andrew Manfield of can inject at depths between Manterra Limited. “It is very 30 and 75 mm. “You end up easy to get carried away with with a deposit of fertiliser and the progress of big technology. as it is concentrated, There are still quite a few ammonium is less likely to be unknowns despite what we’ve broken down too quickly heard,” he warned. depending on other factors,” He also pointed out that he explained. The system also what appeared to be the causes minimal damage in optimal application rate from a cereal crops and you can scientific or agronomic point adjust the spacing and width Guy Singh-Watson: Growers need to invest more in sharing knowledge. of view might not always be of the application wheels to practicable. work with precision farming hoping to participate, at A key element of being part “RB209 is state of the art, and controlled traffic systems. Riverford’s Devon headquarters of the ‘field labs’ is the but there are limitations we Trials with onions at G’s at the end of November. programme’s links to face in practice. For example, Produce have also shown that Innovative Farmers is a professional research expertise, restrictions in NVZs and other using narrower machine network that funds and added Riverford senior farm factors, such as pesticides, will widths is not a problem, supports research through trials manager John Richards. “We affect yield and therefore although more work is designed by farmers and wanted to be involved because application rate. Intense required to find the optimal growers and supported by a we’re always striving to be rainfall events followed by dry application time. “The aim is researcher to uphold scientific innovative – it’s part of our periods are a challenge to to put all these elements rigour. Its ‘field labs’ ethos – and we’re particularly application as soil water is vital together to minimise the gap programme is co-ordinated by keen on projects like this which to the uptake of all nutrients between what we intend to the Soil Association and funded work with groups of growers. and we can’t know for certain give to the plant and what we through the Prince’s Trust using The programme gives us access the shape of the yield response actually put in,” he concluded. profits from the Duchy brand to expert researchers to help us
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•RIVERFORD TRIALS• 25 that year that no significant sweetcorn, and possibly differences were seen. later crops such as kale “If hot-water treatment is or calabrese. Fuel use will effective, it’s something that be monitored as a way of conventional growers might be gauging machinery interested in too, given the inputs while yields and continuing loss of agrochemical harvest work-rates will be seed treatments,” said Mr compared with those Richards. from the host growers’ With it difficult to fully commercial crop. Soil account for all possible analysis methods being variables in a small-scale on- developed in other ‘field farm trial, the work at Riverford labs’ and in AHDB’s this year – no other producers ‘Great soils’ initiative will at the meeting grow the be used to monitor relevant crops – will focus on impacts on soil health. comparing disease levels in The final selection of chard grown from standard cover crop mixes has yet seed with a batch grown from to be confirmed. hot-water-treated seed. Fungi The meeting also John Richards: leaf spots slow down Ed Scott: planting through a cover crop may picking rates. present on the seed will be help to improve margins. agreed that a third recorded before and after Riverford-sponsored set up the trials and to analyse treatment and percentage leaf whether the savings achieved ‘field lab’, focusing on crop the results in a quantifiable cover of any leaf spot disease through neither having to nutrition for organic tomatoes way.” on the growing crop will be incorporate the cover crop nor under protection, could be He said alternaria and similar assessed and correlated to to cultivate, and being able to extended with trials by co-op leaf spots can be a real picking rates. use lighter tractors, can members to look at the impact problem for the company’s Crop density will be measured improve margins. “It may of comfrey liquid on yields of chard and perpetual spinach in to check that neither reduce yields slightly, but we field-grown French bean and some years, with 2016 germination nor establishment hope that may be outweighed courgette. especially bad. “The issue is are affected by the treatment by the cost savings,” said Mr For more information about that it hammers the picking and the soil tested for presence Scott. Innovative Farmers and the rate,” he said. “In a good of the pathogens – as Soil Trial crops are likely to include ‘field lab’ programme, visit season we can be at 30 to Association head of horticulture courgette, squash and www.innovativefarmers.org. 60kg per ha per person but Ben Raskin pointed out, these when leaf spot is bad, that fungi can survive in soil so if drops to around 5kg as the already present in large pickers have to be so selective.” numbers there may be no point Variables that might affect in treating the seed. disease development include: Several growers at the crop density – which Riverford meeting, including members of has gradually increased over the South Devon Organic the years to achieve the size of Producers co-op which supplies leaf its customers look for in Riverford, want to take part in bagged salads, harvesting at trials for the second ‘field lab’, 20-30cm rather than as a baby on zone tillage in which crops leaf; fertiliser use; the presence are directly transplanted of weeds such as fat hen or through green manure or cover redshank; and weather crops on a bed system or by conditions. “We don’t think the using auto-steering to ensure appearance of the disease has machinery follows permanent anything to do with the wheelings as in controlled growing system, as that traffic farming. doesn’t vary year to year, and “It’s particularly suited to the rotation means we’re not taller crops such as sweetcorn, growing the same crops in the which will grow above the same soil repeatedly,” Mr green manure, or crops with a Richards told the meeting. lot of leaf such as courgette or NIAB had identified squash,” said Riverford ‘surprising amounts’ of assistant harvest manager Ed pathogens such as alternaria, Scott, who will be managing ramularia and cercospora on both projects. batches of seed sent for testing Mr Raskin said that one while hot-water-treated chard advantage to retaining the seed offered by a seedhouse for cover crop was that it extended trials were found to be free of the fertility-building phase of contamination. Riverford the rotation and reduced the trialled the treated seed in amount of organic matter lost 2017 but disease levels in the through cultivation. commercial crop were so low The trials will aim to establish
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•SOIL PREPARATION• 26 SOIL PREPARATION KEY FOR BEST CROPPING RESULTS Time invested in getting soils in the best possible condition to give seeds the best opportunity to get going and get away can make a real difference. Soil specialist Philip Wright speaks to Frances Wright.
ey actions and decisions cause the soil to cap and slump. growers can take ahead Care should also be taken not to KKof planting can impact scalp the crumb on the top and on quality and saleable yield, bring up the cold, raw, wet soil and the basic decisions are the from underneath,” he advises. same whether potatoes, “The key here is to allow brassicas or carrots are being weathering to take place on a Soil compaction restricts yield through not allowing roots to grow through grown, says Philip level surface without significant the layers, reducing the crop’s ability to scavenge for water and nutrients. Drier soils warm up more holes or hills which then need quickly in the spring, helping levelling when spring Other factors which can cause need to keep them in the same crop establishment, so by cultivating. If you can get it compaction include the angle of position if possible. Severe soil knowing your soils and where right it will help achieve a soil working elements, water damage can only be they are heavier and wetter, can constant planting depth which content of the soil, and the load ameliorated by biological help drive decisions on in turn will help improve crop of harvested material on processes. “Using steel can help appropriate actions. While this uniformity.” machinery, putting pressure on this process, but ultimately may be a given for those who If seedbed preparation is the soil. “A lot of people think it nature and roots fix soil,” insists have been farming the same inadequate, even the best soils is all to do with the weight of Philip. “Most growers land for years, it can be more of will produce inferior crops as the machinery, but tyre understand that soil compaction a challenge when renting new uniform sprout emergence and pressures are really the most restricts yield through not land. young plant vigour depends on important point. It is really allowing roots to grow through For many growers on heavier a consistent, firm, porous, moist worth the effort even if you the layers, reducing the crop’s soils, preparation will already bed, he emphasises. have to take time increasing ability to scavenge for water have been started so that it can “When spring planted crops them again when you go out and nutrients, but preventing dry as early as possible for such as potatoes go in, the soil onto the road.” He adds that compaction can be spring planting to be done, but can still be wet and cold at soils are particularly vulnerable challenging.” where growers have been depth, so although it can be in spring, so special care should Worn subsoilers can make the unable to get on the land, some counter-intuitive, you may find be taken; and “keep to compacted layer worse. With shallow remedial action can be that reducing the cultivating tramlines wherever possible the worn machine, the point possible when the ground is depth can be beneficial. This because they limit the extent of and wings can work below the sufficiently frosted. The most reduces the chance of making the damage.” compacted layer and instead of important thing to be working clods when moving raw, wet However, many growers find lifting the soil, it can be moved towards is creating an soil at depth.” Knowing the soil Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF) sideways or downwards, making environment which will facilitate conditions in each field also can be challenging when mixed a channel through the soil, but seed-bed making, says Philip. drives better decision-making, crops are grown in the rotation. further compacting soil around Good tilth is the secret to for example the decision on This can be where tramlines or this channel. Philip says: “While successful planting, so getting whether to press needs to be machine widths vary. Tramline we need to keep damage done bed-forming right is key. done on a field-by-field basis. legacies can be found for a by the machinery to a “The secret is to keep the number of years – hence the minimum, we need to consider aggregates small enough for Preventing compaction good seed to soil contact, but When assessing soils, he also not too fine as heavy rain may reminds growers to take into account the effects previous crops have had on the soil structure; a late potato harvest can damage soil structure and may need remedial action. And when it comes to machinery, the fewer the number of times the machinery goes over the land, the better. The choice of tractors and ballast also needs to be appropriate to conditions, and tyre pressures set as low as possible to minimise damage done at depth. “We really need to avoid returning the soil to its If seedbed preparation is inadequate, even the best soils will produce pre-aggregated state,” he inferior crops as uniform sprout emergence and young plant vigour depends Soil specialist Philip Wright. warns. on a consistent, firm, porous, moist bed.
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•SOIL PREPARATION• 27 building resilience.” Adding Freshgro CEO Martin Evans. must have no excuses not to get organic matter can be helpful. Current soil science tends to applications right.” But he does look at nutrients in silos, and not believe that soil analysis is Checking drainage soil analysis tends to pick them good enough because it does He also recommends checking out individually without really not include studying the field drainage to ensure it is looking at its availability for the chemical reactions. As a result, working properly because it can plant. But lock-up can be a real he is not massively in favour of make a difference to overall field problem, he says. precision-farm style targeting of health, soil structural strength, Martin, who is also a qualified applications. and the ability to resist damage. agronomist, is now using the “If there is a problem with a In turn, this reduces extensive Albrecht system. This comprises field, it is better to split it soil movement during a soil audit looking at a more according to soil type, reflecting remediation – which helps to complete picture of the soil, the cationic exchange capacity.” retain organic matter. which he then uses to make up Most of the growers working Martin Evans, CEO of Freshgro. Moreover, moving the water the right fertiliser rates from with Freshgro have the with a high-mark-up, including from heavy rain events more straights. It is not new, having machinery capable of applying include baby parsnips, white and quickly can make a difference to been devised in the US about a fertiliser in this way, he points purple Chantenay and timeliness of cultivation and century ago, starting with out. “We need to move away asparagus. spraying as machinery can get looking at nutrient deficiencies from the Excel spreadsheet Martin works closely with the back on the land sooner. Soil in humans, and then relating mentality that sees nutrition AHDB Horticulture vegetable microbial action, supported by them back to soil nutrition. The elements separately and think panel, which was set-up as an organic matter, breaks residual analysis is well respected both in more towards ideal ratios to interface between growers and chemicals more quickly, so the the US and in New Zealand. maximise uptake to feed healthy scientists, and a case study on threat of leaching, and residual “We are taking a long-term plants.” his work on soils has recently effects on the following crop, approach on both our own and been published. “In the past, are reduced. rented land to look for traits,” Freshgro growers and scientists have not “Soil management is a key factor he says. This is possible for his Nottinghamshire-based communicated very well, and for a successful yield and company on rented land thanks Freshgro holds 90 per cent of the work can be time- practicing these techniques to to long-term contracts which the UK Chantenay market in consuming, but bringing science maintain good soil structure mean that the land is often used addition to supplying six per and growers closer together is helps to improve uptake of by Freshgro growers in rotations cent – 35,000 tonnes – of essential to our future,” he says. fertilisers and crop protection of 1:6, or sometimes even less. conventional carrots to the UK For more information go to chemicals. This means you could The work can be beneficial for market. The company is also https://horticulture.ahdb.org.uk/ have better yield and save landlords, too, as good specialising in niche produce greatsoils-resourcesmaterials money on fertilisers,” says Philip. custodianship is good for Soil mapping techniques help everyone who farms the field. get things right, and are helpful Martin’s attention was drawn when it comes to nutrition, and to this way of thinking about mean that N can be topped up soil when he worked with to the right levels to optimise onions for the now-defunct crop performance as well as Bomfords. “In one case, soil being useful for weed control analysis of a particular field garford decisions. However, he points showed nutrient levels to be out, they can still be rather good, so I gave orders not to Robocrop precision guided implements expensive, and require apply any base fertiliser. management input to interpret However, by mistake, one of the results for best effect. operators started to apply the “Soil management is all about usual fertiliser to the field, and knowing the challenges you was stopped at the half-way have to deal with, being flexible mark.” and adapting your timing To Martin’s surprise, the field hoes according to the weather at the which had received the base particular moment. Nevertheless, fertiliser had a better yield; the it is worth bearing in mind that nutrients had been present in on many farms, significant gains the soil but were locked up so are now not possible by one the crop could not access them. single action; a lot of small “Of course, onions are shallow points do add up and maintain rooted and do not have the the competitiveness of the ability to penetrate soil to the Hooded sprayers business.” same extent as some other crops, but it was an interesting Chemical reactions key call to attention about lock-up to understanding soil scenario. This is something we health need to address.” The key to plant health and He goes on to point out that plant performance could lie in two important areas to get right chemical reactions between to ensure healthy crops and elements in the soil and how yields are variety and the right Inrow weeder they influence the biological and nutrients. “Fertiliser is a relatively physical nature of the soil, says cheap input, so cheap that we t.01778 342642 [email protected]
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•NFU ROUND TABLE• 28 IS NUTRITIONAL VALUE KEY TO INCREASING FRUIT & VEG CONSUMPTION?
there can be a great Industry stakeholders including vegetable growers, came variability in the way together recently in an NFU organised round table debate food is tested,” said to discuss whether it is possible to increase the nutritional another “Research has shown value of UK grown fresh produce. Adrian Tatum reports. that over the past 40 years, the levels of ever before have we imports? nutrients in crops have had a report quite like These were the topics under fallen. Some types of NN‘Fit for the Future’, the discussion at a recent NFU lettuce grown today 2016 report by the NFU’s organised round table debate. have 70% less Board for Horticulture and The event was held under nutritional content Potatoes. Chatham House rules to help than they did 30-40 Concise and relevant, it create open and honest Becky Williams. years ago. As a mum, I captured precisely the current atmosphere, and was feel a wider and emerging challenges for attended by a wide range of increasing the nutritional value responsibility to both make the horticulture sector, and people representing the whole of fresh produce would be a people aware, and to seriously outlined a number of options supply chain. massive boost to the industry, address this issue,” said an for actions to increase the personal health of the attendee. “We need a plan consumption of fruit, salad Falling nutrient levels nation and to the economy. that allows us to produce and vegetables, to support The session started by There is such a head of steam healthier, reasonable yielding improved consumer health, focusing on the importance of gathering round the health crops that are marketable. and to deliver growth for the raising awareness of the agenda with the supermarkets One of the root causes of UK horticulture and potato nutritional value of UK-grown looking to increase the nutrition depletion has been sectors. fruit, vegetable and salad amount of healthy snacks they increased productivity and 40- The facts that accompany crops and the need to increase stock, as well as a focus on years of cheaper prices, the report demonstrate the the levels of nutrients in these increasing the vegetable although we must remember work that still has to be done crops. It was generally noted content in meals. This is a real we have produced to meet in the UK, but also that there and accepted that nutrient chance for the industry come demand.” are many opportunities for the levels in produce have fallen together and achieve this Attendees highlighted that whole supply chain. For over several years due to a collaboratively,” said another the Government has a number instance, in the UK, the combination of changes in attendee. of targets relating to sugar average consumption of fruit farming practices. These But what is the current and salt reduction across a included the intensity with situation and how are number of food groups. “So which we farm and the focus nutrition levels communicated why can’t we have targets to on other priorities during the to consumers? increase nutrient levels in the breeding process such as “It is difficult. There are tight produce we grow in the UK? yields, disease resistance and restrictions on what one can This goes hand-in-hand in aesthetics. and can’t put on packaging what industry can do to help “We urgently need to start and what the industry can improve the health of the to develop ways in which we claim about what is inside a nation, which, as the Fit for can increase the level of product,” said one attendee. the Future report said, is vital nutrients in UK produce. I “Also, it can be a challenge for tackling problems such as want the voice of horticulture to work out exactly what the diabetes,” said one to be at the centre of a debate nutrient values of certain representative at the event. where we can create a system crops are. There are reference Another said: “We should be Andrew Burgess. where nutrition sits at the guides and analytical testing focusing on the fact that if heart of fresh produce that can be used, but this type you eat more fruit and veg it and vegetables per person per production and will see us of work can be expensive and will only help you. There are day is 241g, despite the develop a real opportunity for no negatives, with recommended amount being horticulture to play its part in nothing that is 400g, and the current cost of being a major influence on the unhealthy such as obesity to the NHS is over £5 health of the nation,” said one high levels of sugar billion a year. attendee. and salt. We should While there is no doubting “At the same time, we can therefore be focusing the health benefits from an reverse the decline in on the good nutrients increased intake of fruit and horticulture production to such as fibre and veg, what is being done to create a win-win for everyone protein that displace ensure fresh produce sold in involved in the supply chain as some of the harmful the UK is as nutritious as it well as consumers,” they ones.” could be? And are there added. opportunities for UK fruit and “There is no doubt there will Current work veg to deliver greater health be barriers and real issues to It was mentioned benefits to consumers than solve along the way, but Coral Russell. that there is already
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•NFU ROUND TABLE• 29 some work out there attempts at doing this in the yield potential and addressing some of these past have illustrated lower plant health and a challenges. The research and levels of yields and other crop that produces campaining group, Harvest issues. “While it could solve quality processing to Plus, for example, is some food waste problems, ensure we can get undertaking work as part of will people think they have to these crops into all the CGIAR Research consume less? Also, what food types including Programme on Agriculture for does this mean for our goals ready meals because Nutrition and Health, which is in terms of increasing that will be vital,” consumption overall said one of the as set out in Fit for growers. the Future etc? And what does it mean for Consumer the FIVE-A-DAY challenges message which is Atttendees also Luke Hibberd. widely recognised discussed how to even though overcome the barriers of in obtaining money for the consumption levels getting the younger promotion of fruit and veg aren’t what they are generation to try more fruit and how it has helped supposed to be?,” and veg. “Often this is the key increased consumption in pointed out one to delivering growth in the some areas as much as 453% attendee. sector long-term but is so after promotional campaigns. “If supermarkets difficult. Parent will say ‘my Keely Watson. and the whole supply child won’t eat that’ but if you The way forward designed to help realize the chain buy into this…then is can get them to try it, they A question was also put to potential of agricultural there any reason why a often love it. The quickest way attendees asking them which development to deliver premium couldn’t be charged to dealing with some of the organisation should be nutritional benefits to the for fruit and vegetable challenges we are talking responsible for driving this poor. The organisation has products that contain higher about here is giving parents project forward. It was been using the biofortification nutrient levels?” and children the confidence to suggested that for it to have technique to research the The growers and grower- try different things. There is a the most positive effect, it possibilities that new varieties groups represented at the massive advantage to this should involve the Department could be produced with meeting agreed with one because if they are eating fruit for Health, Defra and the higher iron or zinc levels. This attendee who pointed out; and veg then they are Department of Education. is something consumers would “Currently we would not be replacing the things that are “I don’t know whose not be able to see or taste, able to undertake the growing bad for them such as responsibility it is in general but their intakes of these of this sort of crop unless it chocolate and crisps or to get the message out. Part nutrients would potentially was reflected in the price. sweets,” said one attendee. of the problem is that the increase substantially. There would be lower yields “I think we need to colours of government Also, recent work in the and other input costs to be understand more closely what change so regularly you wheat sector has seen considered.” the consumers’ drivers will be. would almost need a cross- successful research into “We would need to have a Will consumers pay more for party agreement for improving cereal grain quality plan and structure to make this type of produce in something like this, as it really for human health. This this work. Committing whatever form it is sold - is a long-term project.” involved building strong commercial suicide because of loose, pre-pack or in ready The debate was concluded connections between plant low retail prices after a period meals? What is stopping them by attendees recognising that breeding and genetics with of time, for example, would from putting more fruit and there was strong evidence to food health with the key aim mean this would be veg on their plates now? Also, suggest there was a need to to develop wheat genotypes unsustainable in the future.” how can technology help us in raise the nutrient levels of with novel starch But what would growers this and how can we enhance home-grown fresh produce to compositions and structural need to make this a success? what we already have?” stem the journey of depletion properties which can help “I would need quality and One attendee said: “How do in these crops over the last improve health. There are a consistent germ plasm that we face up to the marketing four decades. few other examples of where has nutrient levels selected as and power of fast food There was a willingness to agrofortification has been a priority. I would need good companies…it is time to continue to work together to used in the food sector as glorify fresh produce… work towards a plan that well. not fast food. Some would set out how this issue people go to the gym can be tackled in the future Potential pitfalls and eat protein shakes and whether using research, “There is no doubt we have but not much fruit science, innovation and the ability to increase the and vegetables. How supply-chain collaboration, nutritional value in our home- do we improve and crops with higher nutritional grown crops through enhance the value could be produced and breeding, plant nutrition and reputation of eating marketed. modern growing systems but more fruit and It was accepted that more what we can’t manage is the vegetables?” research and planning was weather and our variable soil Another attendee needed as well as taking the types across the UK. Also, how pointed out the recent debate to different audiences do we achieve this and protect success of Board Bia, including consumers and what we already have? A few Sarah Dawson. the Irish Food Board, government departments.
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White cabbage Quality range from Bejo
Early processing type Short term processing type Almanac Passat Typhoon
Long term processing types Pre-pack varieties Colmar Drago Counter Reaction Expect Kaluga NEW
Please contact us for information about our full range of white cabbage varieties.
U.K. Distributor Republic of Ireland Elsoms Seeds Ltd. Spalding Europrise Co. Ltd, Lusk, Dublin www.elsoms.com www.europrise.ie