Methyl bromide blow

The National Farmers’ Union has learned 40.7 tonnes of methyl bromide has been allocated, in accordance with international regulation, for use by growers in the UK during 2005.

Of the allocated product, 35.7t is for use prior to the planting of soft fruit, and five tonnes is for use prior to planting of hardy nursery stock.

The NFU is advising growers to work out their requirements as soon as possible, and look out for the application packs distributed in early February.

Applications for the product are necessary as a condition of the allocation and will ensure the fair distribution of the product.

Dr Neil Kift, NFU pesticides advisor, said: "We are aware this is a significant reduction on that required by the soft fruit industry in particular, and by no means the amount countries like Italy and Spain have been granted.

“That is why growers are advised to get their application to authorized fumigators in as early as possible.

"Work is being undertaken by the UK industry to find alternatives to methyl bromide and to publish information about what can be done currently.

“But the horticulture industry needs the help and support of the UK government in establishing better knowledge transfer on issues like this."