Spray scheme still on target, say advocates
Spray scheme still on target, say advocates
ADVOCATES of a stewardship scheme being worked on to counter the continuing threat of a pesticides tax insist it is on course for a spring launch.
Despite a hiccup caused by the Curry report, and criticism from Thames Water (see right) that stewardship is not working for isoproturon, plans are in hand to promote the five-year scheme as soon as possible after an April meeting of the steering committee.
Much has been going on behind the scenes to get the as yet un-named scheme up and running, says the Crop Protection Associations Patrick Goldsworthy.
"An enormous amount of underpinning work has been done, and time spent on preparation is never wasted. Reconnaissance is essential."
The CSLs survey of on-farm spraying practices is complete, though the results will not be available until the end of March.
A series of half-day operator roadshows organised with UKASTA has been a big success, notes Mr Goldsworthy. "We originally planned 30, but by last week we will have done 79. It shows the level of commitment and interest from growers."
The register of professional sprayer operators is "on-track and coming along nicely," adds the NFUs Chris Wise. The intention is to promote it widely at summer shows.
But the arrival of the Curry report has caused a rethink over the schemes crop protection management plans (CPMPs), he admits. The report recommends that the case for a pesticides tax should be kept under review and calls for whole-farm audits.
"Right in the middle of trying to work up something to satisfy everyone on the steering committee, along comes Curry. We have had to draw breath," admits Mr Wise.
Consultations are now under way to see how CPMPs can be modified to incorporate the reports proposals. *