With Integrated Pest Management (IPM) planning now a paid action under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), the new tool covers the main arable and outdoor horticultural crops. It offers access to information about methods available for controlling relevant pests, weeds, and diseases. The methods recommended by the tool have previously been tested and proven to be effective, with research reviews undertaken by experts from ADAS and SRUC.
Project lead and ADAS technical director for crop protection, Dr Neil Paveley says: "Thousands of farmers have created plans for Red Tractor using the VI IPM Plan, and we have worked closely with the NFU and VI to provide this alternative, crop-specific, IPM Planning Tool. With farmers now actively encouraged to implement IPM, this tool gives those who are completely new to it practical support to get started. And, for the majority of farmers who are already practicing IPM to some degree, the tool could open doors to alternative techniques that may be more effective or suit their farm better".
Read more: Why weed control in sugar beet will require an IPM approach
Testing trials
Development and testing of the IPM Planning Tool was conducted prior to launch with over a hundred farmers and agronomists as part of a Defra Test and Trial led by the NFU.
Although the IPM Planning Tool was created to support growers applying for the IPM SFI action, it can also be used to support Red Tractor requirements.
Christopher Rutterford, arable farmer from East Anglia says: "I found the tool easy to use and the layout easy to follow. I was most impressed with it as a way of formalising our IPM actions and being able to present the results in a recognisable and acceptable way, to demonstrate our responsible crop protection procedures. I see it as a valuable means to systematise our own actions and to present these actions to others".
Read more: What can the new SFI standards offer arable farmers?
More info
The IPM Planning tool is available via the NFU website https://www.nfuonline.com/updates-and-information/ipm-plans/
