THE RESPONSIBLE use of pesticides and fertiliser will be among the themes in this year‘s Grain Chain feature.

Exhibits highlighting the importance of responsibly used pesticides and fertilisers are sponsored by BASF and Kemira respectively and there will also be variety plots supported by the NIAB plus a science-based exhibit from the John Innes Centre and Rothamsted Research.

Other features linked to the Grain Chain include a demonstration bakery giving away fresh bread samples, and Kemira is sponsoring a long-term competition with teams of young people from schools and colleges making decisions about seed-bed preparation and chemical inputs for growing malting barley.

Winners will be announced after the crops are harvested.