THE loss of agrochemical actives as a result of recent European Union hazard-based assessment criteria has the potential to cost UK agriculture over £905m - or 10% of current farm-gate value according to a new report commissioned by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

 

The report assessed the estimated financial impact of the loss of crop protection active substances which might be defined as endocrine disruptors under the new EU hazard-based approach.

Three scenarios across 51 horticultural, arable and forestry sectors were assessed. The estimated losses in the subsequent production year under these scenarios ranged from £905m to over £3bn, and assumed that all active substances in a scenario were lost at the same time. They also assume that mitigating actions such as alternative chemistry, would be used where available.

Scenario One looks at the loss of 10 fungicides, 3 herbicides and 4 insecticides, with the largest impact on the horticulture sector. Total food production losses are estimated at 2.4m tonnes.

Scenario Two includes an additional 11 fungicides, 7 herbicides and 2 insecticides, with edible horticulture accounting for the largest proportion of losses, followed by other edible crops such as cereals, oilseeds, potatoes, pulses and sugar beet. Total food production losses are estimated at 5.7m tonnes.

Scenario Three includes an additional 29 active substances in addition to both scenarios above with significant impact across all sectors, and food production losses estimated at 14.2m tonnes.

AHDB chairman Peter Kendall said: "The ability of UK farmers and growers to seize their share of growing markets depends on having the right tools to become the most efficient and sustainable food producers they can.

"Central to that ambition is retaining access to effective crop protection products. This AHDB report comes at a critical time to provide independent information to inform the wider debate."

Market round-up

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd held their annual Christmas show and sale at Ayr on Tuesday when the champion animal in the yard was a homebred LimousinX heifer shown by A&E Vance, Bridgehouse that scaled 575kg and sold for £1725 (300p per kg). The reserve ticket went to Ian Lammie, Longhouse for a 560kg CharolaisX bullock that fetched £1848 (330p). Overall 29 prime heifers averaged 237.4p and 16 prime bullocks levelled at 223.1p. Seven prime bulls averaged 171.7p.

In the rough ring 52 beef cows averaged 118.7p and 150 dairy cows levelled at 86.3p. Seven bulls averaged 88.5p and 23 clean, OTM cattle levelled at 160.6p.