Fargro's Richard Hopkins on crop protection, peat, water and trade policy

HortWeek Podcast

Fargro managing director Richard Hopkins speaks to HortWeek about spring optimism, the upcoming general election and peat, water, border inspections and crop protection.

He says growers should talk to policymakers using policy asks from the HTA, AIC and NFU. Key issues are peat, plant health, plant protection products and water.

On crop protection he says there is still no National Action Plan and why that is significant. He says he would like CRD to be an "enabler" so the industry can use the full range of plant protection products, but that would require a change of culture from being a regulator.

On peat-free transition, he speaks about how demand is now coming from consumers and retailers. He says he would be more comfortable that reduction is driven by demand rather than legislation, which is unlikely to happen anytime soon anyway. Peat-free should be framed as an opportunity for growers to get on the right side of consumer sentiment. A 'cliff edge risk' exists because there will be a lack of production in the UK and imports could rise.

Target Border Operating Model issues remain because this looks like a bad idea for 'plants for planting' as they are fragile and come in groupage loads. Inspection points could become 'infection points' and actually spread and pests and diseases he argues. Places of Destination inspections are his preferred option.

A further issue is water. Growers need larger reservoirs. We have feast or famine at the moment.

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