The eradication of the use of methyl bromide from the UK soft-fruit industry is almost complete.

This year, just 28 tonnes of the chemical is left in the country. But, according to British Summer Fruits chairman Laurence Olins, the industry must focus on alternatives to avoid limiting the sector’s growth potential.

Methyl bromide is a broad spectrum pesticide used to control insects, weeds, rodents, and pathogens. A colourless, odourless gas at room temperature, methyl bromide is normally applied as a liquid under pressure that vapourises upon release at the point of application.

The use of methyl bromide as a pesticide is being phased out world-wide. Through various scientific assessments, atmospheric scientists have concluded that use of methyl bromide contributes to the destruction of the ozone layer.

But, as yet, there is no foolproof alternative. “It is the only effective chemical to combat verticillium wilt,” said Olins. “Of course we do have other chemicals that are not as effective and people are growing in bags now [which reduces the potential for wilt]. However, unless growers can keep moving to virgin land, the disappearance of methyl bromide will be very restrictive on the long-term growth of the industry.

“As an industry we must be searching for new land all the time. Arable farming is hardly booming, so the land will almost certainly be available. It is another big challenge, but one that the industry has to be prepared to meet.”

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