Tree Fruit sector strategy
The tree fruit sector is one of the smaller of the HDC Sector Panels, contributing approximately 7% of the annual HDC income. This sector consists of, in order of area and value, apples, pears, plums, cherries, nuts and a small area of novel crops such as apricots. The UK industry has undergone a period of declining market share, variable profitability and associated rationalisation over the last 25 years. However, in recent years profitability has improved for some and there is guarded optimism amongst those committed to a future in the industry.
The HDC Tree Fruit Panel has been successful in attracting additional funding from various sources, particularly HortLINK, helping to build a wide ranging R&D programme for the UK industry. The HortLINK programme is now being wound down so HDC is exploring opportunities for similar collaborations in the future. The aim is to ensure that the UK tree fruit industry derives the maximum benefit from combined funding sources invested in R&D.
Crop protection is clearly a major priority area and the Panel will continue to support growers via the HDC SOLA programme whilst taking into account the increasing interest of consumers in how their food is produced, particularly their perceived desire for a reduction in both pesticide use and in the environmental impact of crop production. With the continued loss of pesticides as the result of the EU reviews and legislation (such as the Sustainable Use Directive and the replacement of Regulation 91/414 with Regulation 1107/2009), it is essential that carefully targeted work is undertaken that will enable fruit growers to control the key pests, weeds and diseases of fruiting crops and during propagation. In addition to seeking specific SOLAs there is also an increased emphasis on improving the effectiveness of crop protection programmes through improved monitoring, biocontrol, forecasting and prediction techniques.
The effects of other legislation, such as the Water Use Directive, are also of concern to the industry. The HDC Tree Fruit Panel is keen to address these issues and to explore new opportunities for increasing yield, improving quality, extending the season and improving the consistency of supply. More efficient use of inputs including water, fertilisers and labour are key. Identifying and passing on best practice is the major focus of the Panels communication programme.
The 2011-12 tree fruit sector strategy has been condensed into three objectives which link with the AHDB Corporate Business Plan 2011/14. The strategy has been extensively revised and only covers important areas, shown as initiatives under the three objectives. The need for new projects in important areas has been deemed to be high, moderate or low depending on whether work is currently being done, its findings to date and when it will finish. Where the need for new work in an area is deemed to be low the HDC Tree Fruit Panel nevertheless might consider new innovative approaches. Additionally, consideration might be given to particularly interesting ideas focussed on areas not identified in this strategy.
Please note that all ideas for new work should be discussed well in advance with the HDC Tree Fruit Panel chairman, Nigel Kitney, and with me before a concept note is drawn up. This is to minimise wasted effort and ensure that only the most appropriate ideas are considered for funding by the Panel.
Andrew Tinsley
HDC Research Manager
Download TF R&D Strategy 2011-2012 (XLS - 102K)
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