Evidencing IPM with digital tools

“Based on what we know so far, the SFI IPM standard requires growers to produce an IPM plan - which they’ll be paid for,” explains Robert Nightingale, Frontier national technical sustainability specialist.

“I would expect this to be similar to the plan required under the Voluntary Initiative, currently available on the NFU website.”

As well as pest management – which also includes weed and disease control – there are a range of other paid-for IPM measures available. These include companion cropping and not using insecticides, which will change the economic thresholds for pest treatment in some crops.

“There is expected to be a breakout clause with the insecticide option so farmers can defer the action if they will lose a higher value of crop through not treating,” adds Robert. “There are also some other features under the Stewardship Plus options.”

“The principle of IPM is reducing the need to rely on synthetic chemical pesticides.”

He says Red Tractor has been asking for voluntary IPM plans for some time. Given companion cropping is used fairly extensively in oilseed rape, in many cases there’s an opportunity for farmers to be rewarded for something they are already doing.

“The principle of IPM is reducing the need to rely on synthetic chemical pesticides,” says Robert. “That approach is enshrined in the IPM triangle and is supported with a range of decision support solutions, such as Frontier’s environment manager tool which helps users record in-field options for the SFI and Countryside Stewardship. Mapping the farm to understand where features are can then help identify any gaps.”

Other information such as crop inspections, historic issues, rotation and MySoyl data can also be incorporated in Frontier’s MyFarm platform.

“As the IPM triangle shows, it’s about combining actions to reduce risk,” says Robert. “For example, with wheat you can choose RGT Grouse, a new variety which is resistant to barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) and orange wheat blossom midge (OWBM).

“Drilling it slightly later will reduce aphid pressure and you can enhance beneficials – for example by leaving longer stubbles or reducing tillage – and then monitor crops against threshold levels. If you’re at threshold, then it’s about choosing the product which is kindest to beneficials and non-target insects.”