28 April 2022
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Defra consultation could negatively impact growers - claim
THE use of biostimulants in the UK is still the subject of a Defra consultation “Creating an Enabling Regulatory Environment for Enhanced Efficiency Fertilisers”, which is evaluating the regulatory approaches to biostimulants.
Defra was due to publish the consultation in August 2021, but the industry has yet to receive any indication of when we are likely to see its proposals. The current timeline indicates that Defra’s ambition is to have the new regulatory framework fully implemented by September 2022.
Emerald Research, which researches and develops plant nutrient, biostimulant and biological products, is amongst the manufacturers who are being given little time to plan or comply, and this in turn could leave growers with fewer options for next season, it has stated.
Helen Holman, who looks after the company's marketing and trials, said: "We are all hoping that the current market situation has encouraged Defra to reflect on the proposed course of action and realise the pointless bureaucracy it would impose. Hopefully, they are defining a certification scheme with a much lighter touch, in the light of the need to support sustainable agriculture."
