SOFT FRUIT and nursery stock growers should order methyl bromide supplies early this, the National Farmers Union has advised.

In accordance with international regulation, 40.7 tonnes has been allocated to the UK for 2005 – well below industry requirements, said NFU pesticides advisor, Neil Kift.

“We are aware this is a significant reduction on that required by the soft fruit industry in particular, and by no means the amount countries like Italy and Spain have been granted.

“That is why growers are advised to get their application to authorized fumigators in as early as possible.”

Growers should calculate their exact requirements as soon as they can and look out for application packs going out in February, he said.