One of the big questions which emerged when growers voted to abolish the compulsory levy was what would happen to AHDB’s work on securing EAMUs and Emergency Approvals for crop protection products, something which many of the AHDB’s fiercest critics agreed was vital to the continued viability of many fruit and vegetable crops.
It is therefore encouraging to hear that Horticultural Crop Protection (HCP), the organisation established by growers to take over this work has gained or renewed at least 27 EAMU and emergency crop protection authorisations since it started work in April. The fact that many of these were inherited from AHDB should not detract from the organisation, as this is one area where a seamless transition really was preferable.
With HCP’s overheads being around a third of AHDB’s, and growers’ costs being greatly reduced, it is a great example of how the crop associations and growers have managed to take ownership of a key industry activity. In fact, HCP appears to be so successful that other crop sectors, such as minor arable crops, are now approaching it for support, something which will help spread overheads further and improve value for money for growers.
There were some dissenting voices when the idea of HCP was first proposed by British Growers, but the signs so far are that it will continue to carry out vital work while increasing accountability and reducing costs – certainly a win-win-win for growers.
If this can be achieved for post-AHDB crop protection, many growers will also hope that their associations can deliver something similar in terms of practical applied research. There is no doubt that the will is there, but a more disjointed approach spread across various crops also creates additional challenges.
One thing which would make the task easier would-be greater support from government. Once again, we have seen positive words from Defra with farming minister Mark Spencer telling the final hearing of the House of Lords horticultural sector inquiry that “we have a prime minister who is very engaged in [the sector].”
However, once again we have a large gap between rhetoric and actions. The cancellation of the proposed horticulture strategy is just one of many good ideas which has failed to carry through into clear action, and uncertainties remain over a suitable to successor to the producer organisations scheme. The recent delays in implementation of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) have showed yet again that Defra is under resourced or simply doesn’t understand the industry – or most likely both.
News that the department is in ‘serious discussions’ with the Home Office about seasonal workers schemes is welcome, but once again there is a strong sense of déjà vu and growers will adopt a ‘believe it when I see it’ attitude. We have been here so many times before without seeing movement. While politicians debate, businesses continue to struggle and fail.
With so much political disillusionment it is not surprising that so many people are looking elsewhere. Sir Kier Starmer has recently set out to woo the countryside and farming vote ahead of the next election and the Liberal Democrats are also highlighting their rural connections. All of which suggest that a new party, such as the True & Fair Party, founded by campaigner Gina Miller on a platform of reversing Brexit may attract interest, but may also have an uphill struggle. Anyone hoping that we may see some political stability ahead of the next general election is likely to be disappointed.
The October issue also includes articles on:
- Companies continue to trial new courgettes
- Lower onion production continues
- Labour issues drive demand for automation
- Save water and provide significant yield gain
To read these and more from “The Vegetable Farmer” subscribe today – find out more here