PRACTICAL FARMERS have proved to be the top candidates for the first time in this year‘s BASIS* Crop Protection exams.

Kent farm manager Robert Spencer was named best candidate overall at an awards ceremony in London (Nov 4).

“I am proud to receive this award but I am especially proud to be the winner in a year when all four finalists are farmers.

“That is a huge achievement which confirms the increasing technical ability and professionalism of today‘s farmers.”

He believes the BASIS qualification is essential for any farmer involved with crop agronomy and could become a more important part of the Assured Combinable Crops quality standards.

Some 227 candidates have taken the BASIS Crop Protection exam over the past 12 months, with over 6,000 now having passed the exam in total.

*British Agrochemical Standards Inspection Scheme