You can’t help but notice that Whitehall and Brussels are doing their utmost to bring in new legislation to preserve the state of Europe’s soils and water. When the BPC joined the debate some three to four years ago, it was potato growers who were quickly identified as the high risk group. So it’s heartening to see just how far the industry has progressed proactively to improve practice, although we must recognise there’s still a long way to go.
It’s not just a matter of keeping up with legislation - those growers who have been involved have found there are clear production benefits for their business, which is why the BPC has been keen to lead the process. We’re just about to launch a new series of activities, which will involve the entire industry across all sectors. So it’s worth looking at what the potato sector has achieved so far:
An increase in the number of grower abstraction groups. Getting involved at both a local and national level has helped shape the legislation to achieve something that is practicable.
The BPC organised forty soils and water workshops last year with industry help, and there’s a similar commitment this year. These are essential forums to discuss practical benefits and new developments.
The BPC has published a report written by Cranfield University that picks out from various Brussels directives what potato growers need to know. This is available from www.potato.org.uk/soils.
We received the Water Efficiency Award for our initial work on water auditing and best use of irrigation advice. This is independent recognition of the proactive stance the industry is taking.
We’re now organising industry-wide stakeholder groups to debate the way forward. These bring in legislators, auditors, users, growers and research bodies from all sectors, and we have been delighted at the response.
The potato sector is particularly visible from a policy point of view, from soil erosion through to water abstraction. But with some of the work the BPC is doing we’re already leading the way on interpreting this new legislation, and discovering the production benefits for growers.
Many have already implemented measures on their own farms that show not only how the potato sector is taking the initiative, but also how the entire farming industry can benefit. These benefits come in terms of improved production and ensuring the legislation works. But a glance at the reams of legislation show that there are many targets still to be met, and even more that have yet to be set.
So whether it’s joining your local abstraction group, attending a soils and water workshop or taking part in the Catchment Sensitive Farming project, you have a choice. You can get involved and make the legislation work for you, or you can bury your head in compacted, slumping soil and let the opportunity pass you by.