British farmers cautiously look to the future, in which they see a significant reduction in crop protection tools against the backdrop of an increase in the population of the UK, its number will reach 73 million by 2040.
To produce an adequate and safe food for a growing population, the use of chemicals has become an integral part of the tools of farmers and producers.
However, this toolkit is rapidly shrinking as chemicals are banned, while public opinion that all chemicals are harmful to the environment is gaining ground.
Amid these concerns, the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Council (AHDB) has called on the industry to adopt a fully integrated approach to pest, weed and disease control in order to support sustainable agriculture in the long run.
John Knight, head of plant protection, said that “An integrated approach to pest and disease control will no longer be an option, but should be fully operational,” he said.
Industry partners and government regulators are trying to find funds for the agricultural industry to gain approval for new, sustainable crop protection and environmental practices.
