Arable and Horticulture update

Access to cereal and protein seeds – plan ahead

Arable and horticulture producers and Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) committees have had both challenging and productive busy weeks of late. UFU co-ordinated DAERA, DEFRA and industry meetings to navigate the rules, regulations and logistics for accessing cereal and protein seeds.

Whilst wrinkles along the supply chain were resolved for spring planting the efforts and discussions now turn to timely access to winter seed requirements for autumn planting.

UFU deputy president William Irvine urges all farmers to plan ahead and work with their merchants allowing all in the supply chain to plan for seed volumes required, meet necessary regulatory controls and allow time for logistical timelines for delivery from Great Britain (GB) into Northern Ireland (NI).  

Farmers and merchants should be having these discussions now, as the weather and harvest dates in GB will dictate the ultimate start of the process for access to winter seeds. 

UFU, DAERA, Merchants and DEFRA continue to review the situation. 

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimises economic, health and environmental risks. IPM emphasises the growth of a healthy crop with the least possible disruption to agricultural ecosystems and encourages natural pest control mechanisms.

UFU VI representative Bruce Steele encourages all to refer to the DAERA Integrated Pest Management Guide which will assist farmers with understanding the requirements of IPM. The link can be found on the DAERA website or the Voluntary Initiative website. 

The Voluntary Initiative Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) can and should be completed by any farm or nursery enterprise using professional pesticides to produce crops, ornamentals, fodder or feed.

Developing sustainable arable and horticulture production in NI 

UFU potato, vegetable, and cereal policy committees in partnership with UAS are currently progressing a review and the production of a visionary bespoke strategy for arable and horticulture (field vegetables) sectors. This work is progressing and over the next two weeks the UFU committees will review and discuss the direction of travel and recommendations within the report. 

Potato – COVID-19 support

UFU continue to lobby Minister Poots asking that he addresses the interpretation of the regulations addressing a trading historic relationship being transposed as a capping instrument for support.

This instrument has not been implemented in any other support scheme rules and the UFU call on DAERA and the Minister to mindful of equality for all in the delivery process. 

UFU have reiterated the need at every opportunity when speaking with the Minister that an urgent need for a new support scheme for processing potatoes for the 2020 crop is evident. 

UFU understand many stores are sitting full of potatoes, and as yet the only advice the UFU can give growers is be prepared for a new scheme should the Minister respond to our request and keep documentary evidence of all potato movement and payments. 

UFU encourage all to keep weighbridge dockets, invoice details for all potatoes moved off farm and evidence of monies received being deposited into bank accounts.

UFU call on Minister Poots to confirm a new scheme will proceed and spell out without doubt the rules and regulations to ensure the processing potato sector will be protected.