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BIFGA AGM
Yesterday saw the 26th British Independent Fruit Growers Association (BIFGA) Annual General Meeting kindly hosted by Alex and Margaret Charrington at Charrington Fruit Farms, in Matfield Kent.
Event Highlights
- Chair: John Breach
- Attendees: 95 members of BIFGA
- Activities:
- Report of the previous year
- Precision farming demonstration by Burden Bros Agri
- Farm walk
Discussions
-
Horticultural Development Company (HDC):
- Imposing levy discussion
- Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s proposal to DEFRA to reduce the threshold from £60,000 to £30,000
- Consultation with the industry
- Focus on research into pests and diseases on tree roots
-
New Research:
- Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) protection products approved by CRD and HDC
- East Malling Research Centre’s report on canker research findings
- New canker studies and research on Gala storage, optimum pruning time, and planting material
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Other Topics
- Importance of standing against overly strict farm assurance schemes
- Less red tape needed, as stated by the government
Precision Farming Technology
-
Demonstration by Burden Bros Agri:
- John Deere 5090GF self-drive capabilities
- Precision Farming Technology benefits: enhanced farm performance and reduced costs
- Accuracy: as close as 2cm, creating perfect rows
-
Variable Rate Application:
- Sprays to vary based on soil differences
- Reduction in the amount of sprays used
- Environmental benefits
-
John Deere:
- World's largest Precision Farming manufacturer
- Start-up costs: from £800
- Long-term benefits and reduced labor costs
Farm Walk Highlights
- Field with a mix of strong Cox and Russets in four row beds planted in 1989
- Farm currently in its 50th year of production since Alex’s late father Clive bought it in 1964
- Bramleys and Beni Shoguns Fuji planted in 2008
- Zari variety adopted by the farm, favorable to warmer weather
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Pollination and Biodiversity
- Aided with hives in the orchards
- Alex, a recent LEAF member, discovered a rare type of orchid
Acknowledgements
- The afternoon was made possible by the hard work of John Breach
- Known for his efforts campaigning for growers since January 1995
- Gained interest from MP Andrew George, Women’s Institute, and Friends of the Earth
Contact Information
To become a member of the British Independent Fruit Growers’ Association or if you would like to sponsor the BIFGA newsletter please contact:
- Mrs. J Perry
- Email: bifga@live.co.uk
- Phone: 01892 722080
By Alice Dyer
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