The Nematicide Stewardship Programme (NSP) announced a new training partnership with the industry training initiative ARTIS at BP2015, Harrogate 12 November 2015.
“We are excited about the training partnership with ARTIS,” says NSP Chair, Dr Sharon Hall. “The use of Nematicides remains critical to many growers in producing a quality product and maintaining current rotations and this new partnership will deliver high quality training on a sustainable basis to the industry”.
The winter programme of operator training workshops takes place in throughout the country and will be provided for free of charge while funding is available. Places can be booked at www.artistraining.com
The NSP group is a joint initiative that brings together the agrochemical companies Certis, DuPont and Syngenta (who have provided funding to establish the workshops). They are working with other NSP members AHDB; AIC; Fresh Potatoes Suppliers Association; NFU; Potato Processors’ Association; and Richard Austin Agriculture Ltd to ensure these vital products remain available for future use on potatoes and other key root crops.
Aimed at those who apply the pesticides in the field and relevant to agronomists, farm owners, farm managers and contractors; the training course is the basis of the Nematicide Application Protocol in the Red Tractor Crop protocols for potatoes, onions, parsnips and carrots.
“It’s crucial for all operators to attend,” added Dr Hall. “Industry has requested that Red Tractor Assurance incorporates a requirement into its standards specifying that all staff applying nematicides must have completed the course by March 2017.”
The use of nematicides remains under considerable scrutiny, not only from Europe but from environmentalists, health professionals and the general public. Operators need to ensure they are fully up to speed with the correct way to both handle and apply these chemicals.
“Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) is arguably the biggest long term issue for the potato industry,” says AHDB Potatoes Head of Knowledge Transfer, Philip Burgess.
“It’s vital all the available tools to control this pest are used effectively and responsibly. NSP is an excellent example of the entire industry coming together to ensure this. Operators who attend will get consistent messages on best practice and will be able to fully comply with stewardship.
“I’d urge all businesses to ensure that they take advantage of the workshops before the funding runs out. After this time they will have to pay in full for the essential training.”
