Some 64 authorisations are achieved and numerous new crops are brought into the organisation
Unified industry support has been at the heart of a successful first year for Horticulture Crop Protection Ltd (HCP), according to the organisation’s first annual report.
HCP was set up in the wake of the winddown of AHDB Horticulture, with the intention of raising the funds needed to manage the UK industry’s crop protection applications.
In its first year of operation HCP secured 64 authorisations, split between 16 Emergencies and 48 EAMUs.
The company is made up of a small team of experts, supported by a board of directors who span a cross-sector of British horticulture. Ali Capper is chair and Jack Ward is company secretary, and the office is based in The Rural Innovation Centre at Stoneleigh Park.
Chief executive Simon Conway said the “unanimous support” of the 32 crop associations who make up its membership – and are also co-owners of the business – was vital to a successful launch year. New sectors have also been brought in that were not in the original business plan, including GB wine, minor cereal and oilseed crops, seed potatoes, beetroot, fennel, celeriac, hops, cider apples and Christmas trees.
“We can look back on the first year (tentatively) and reflect on its success,” added Capper. “Every crop association is raising a subscription for HCP and we are delivering a service that is clear on its remit and offers excellent value for money to growers.”
HCP’s future plans include expanding its digital capacity to maximise process efficiency and looking out for both future crop protection challenges and novel solutions.
It has also pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to streamline the EAMU and EA application process, and lobby Defra to ensure PPPs (plant protection products) are available to horticulture.
