Fruit industry gets behind campaign target

24/11/11

Fruit growers representing an impressive 4,303 hectares of land, accounting for over 50% of the total UK top fruit area (dessert and culinary), have signed up to support the major new initiative by chlorpyrifos manufacturers – ‘Chlorpyrifos. Say NO to DRIFT’, which aims to safeguard the future availability of this key insecticide for UK growers.

The figures were announced following the campaign launch, to over 1,000 visitors to last month’s National Fruit Show in Kent.

Speaking after the launch of the campaign, which aims to see a wholesale switch of 100% of chlorpyrifos insecticide applications made with low-drift nozzles in 2012, campaign spokesman, Steve Norman said support from the fruit industry is invaluable to retaining products in the market. “We have received extremely positive feedback from the industry, as well as growers who commented on the importance of the insecticide to their businesses and their willingness to change application practices. This was backed up by a survey conducted at the event which revealed that chlorpyrifos products are particularly valued for controlling key pests including codling moth, aphid species and tortrix moth.

“Growers are rating chlorpyrifos at the top end of the scale in terms of significance to pest control, with an average score of 8.9 out of 10,” says Steve. “This is reinforced by a clear message from growers that they need to preserve chlorpyrifos in their armoury.”

Steve is calling on everyone in the industry to get behind the initiative. “Growers signing up to the campaign over the coming months can also register for their chance to receive a set of free low-drift nozzles and campaign pack by visiting the website www.saynotodrift.co.uk,” he highlights.

Grower comments received at the National Fruit Show event:

 “Most important to keep chlorpyrifos in our armoury”

                                                                Apple grower (Kent)

“Seems vital to keep chlorpyrifos for the foreseeable future. 

Therefore this initiative should be supported by all growers.”                                                           

                                                               Plum grower (Hertfordshire)

“Very important to me to be able to use chlorpyrifos.”

                                                               Top/soft fruit grower (Kent)

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