The cereals and oilseeds market is expected to show ‘great volatility' according to AHDB's Change programme and strategy 2021-2026, published this week.
It cites Brexit impacts on imports and exports, changing weather patterns and increased susceptibility of crops to diseases as key contributors to the volatility but adds: "There is the positive of a continuing strong domestic market."
According to the plan, challenges in the sector include financial viability, with loss of Basic Payment Scheme only partially offset by the Environmental Land Management scheme, less chemistry available, meeting Net Zero ambitions, attracting skilled staff and maintaining the industry's reputation so consumers buy British.
With a strong emphasis on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), AHDB says it will deliver a structured programme of on-farm activities to share how farmers can reduce their reliance on chemistry through better use of data. This will include its Recommended List, Nutrient Management Guide (RB209), fungicide performance and soils data, as well as data on rotations, cover crops and biopesticides.
AHDB says it will focus on skills and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for farmers and their staff. To do this it plans to partner with others in the industry including the new Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture mentioned in the Defra Agricultural Transition Plan.
The digital grain passport system, which has failed to get off the ground in the past, will be revisited, says AHDB, which also promises to monitor the reputation of UK grain and oilseeds production to ensure that it competes favourably with imports on non-cost issues.
AHDB says it will also develop ways for growers and the industry to meet their Net Zero carbon ambitions.
AHDB potato sector plan
Following the loss of chlorpropham (CIPC), AHDB Potatoes has pledged to increase its current investment of £500,000 per year into potato storage to find a sustainable alternative to the sprout suppressant, as well as continuing to provide one-to-one practical advice to growers and working on variety dormancy rankings.
With mixed prospects for the sector as consumers return to potatoes as a staple food during recession, but uncertain trading conditions amid Brexit, AHDB says it will help the supply chain to maximise market opportunities for potatoes and identify and promote the potato industry's contribution to Net Zero targets.
With the common theme of loss of plant protection products running through all grower sectors, both AHDB Horticulture and AHDB Potatoes say they will help growers survive a transition away from conventional crop protection. The aim will be to find practical and cost-effective alternatives by speeding up the process of testing and bringing new approaches to market; and to invest more in IPM tools including early warning systems and monitoring tools such as Fight Against Blight and Aphid Alerts.
