Organic potatoes copper cut threat
Organic potatoes copper cut threat
EU proposals to legislate against copper-based fungicides will make organic potato enterprises into loss-making ventures unless action is taken, warns NFU organic committee chairman Oliver Dowding.
"The legislation for the removal of copper as a fungicide will cut output (of organic systems) from 60% of conventional crops to just 40%. Even with a 100% organic premium you can do the simple maths and see growers are going to be worse off."
Speaking to delegates at the recent Tesco Organic Masterclass seminar, at Harper Adams University College, Mr Dowding said alternatives to copper needed to be found immediately.
Broadening his view of future production, he said: "We need a great improvement in the technical support for producers either in, or looking at, conversion. The future of organics is dependent on efficient production, but unless the support is available producers will not be encouraged to participate or have the confidence in a new venture."
Mr Dowding admitted conversion to organic production had been affected by the collapse of the organic potato and milk sectors where cheap imports have eroded margins. "Although the UK has increased output, to satisfy demand we have actually seen an increase in imports; that is where our challenge lies." *