NFU develops new plant health plan

NFU senior regulatory affairs adviser Dr Chris Hartfield says its vision is to develop sustainable plant health solutions that enable UK farmers and growers to produce crops that meet the needs of consumers, the environment and profitable and productive farming businesses.

The NFU also wants to help meet the challenges set by the government within the 25-year Environment Plan, to improve biosecurity and to put integrated pest management (IPM) at the heart of a holistic approach with, as it puts it, ‘the minimum use of pesticides’, he says.

NFU deputy president Guy Smith adds: “This roadmap develops our current thinking and sets out a clear plan for where we need to focus future action.

“Farmers need effective tools to control the weeds, pests and diseases threatening their crops. We need to create cross-industry strategies to show our commitment to IPM, and deliver change and innovative solutions.

“Policy makers will then need to play their part to enable access to all the tools in the toolbox, to ensure a safe, secure, affordable supply of food for everyone.”