TIBRE and other initiatives
Environmental Management for Agriculture
In addition to being available on its dedicated web site, the TIBRE Arable Handbook is also included in interactive form within the EMA - Environmental Management for Agriculture software and can be found in the EMA on-line library. In addition to a library, the EMA software contains decision support tools, data-bases, planning aids and audits for farm use and has been developed to be used by farmers, advisers and consultants to review environmental performance. Although originally developed for England and Wales, it is now available for Scotland and can provide Scottish farmers with a range of environmental management tools relevant in Scottish farming.
Integrated Farm Management
The advice in the TIBRE Arable Handbook can help with implementing Integrated Farm Management (IFM). IFM integrates beneficial natural processes into modern farming practices. It aims to reduce inputs such as fertilisers and crop protection chemicals, enhance biodiversity, maintain soil fertility and minimise air, water and soil pollution. Methods used encompass a range of agronomic measures, including crop rotation, appropriate cultivation techniques, careful choice of varieties and the use of predictive techniques. The TIBRE technologies and products can contribute to IFM procedures as they help:
- diagnose diseases
- apply crop chemicals judiciously
- determine crop nutrient needs
- match fertiliser application to in-field variations in crop requirements
- improve waste management
- reduce contamination of non-cropped areas and water courses
In the UK, LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) encourages farmers to adopt Integrated Farm Management. LEAF produces a range of technical information and demonstrates the principles of IFM on a network of volunteer demonstration farms. LEAF members can benchmark their business against standards set in the LEAF Audit. In addition, they can apply to join the LEAF Marque certification scheme. For these farmers who have joined LEAF, the TIBRE Arable Handbook provides a useful reference to help achieve targets for action set in the LEAF Audit.
The adoption of new technology can help with the implementation of the Voluntary Initiative (VI). Farmers, advisers and manufacturers are urged to embrace the Voluntary Initiative, a programme of measures put forward by the industry to reduce the adverse environmental impacts from the use of pesticides and avert a pesticide tax. Targets have been set for a range of indicators covering water quality, biodiversity and changes in practices. The latter include indicators for better practice in the use of technology and pesticides. In addition, the Voluntary Initiative Crop Protection Management Plan (CPMP) proposes the use of suitable technology as best environmental practice in a number of activities. Here, the TIBRE Arable Handbook provides a useful source of additional information for farmers when drawing up a CPMP and identifying priorities for action. The Voluntary Initiative also publishes Environmental Information Sheets (EIS) which provide information on the environmental impacts of crop protection products. Referencing a product's label and its EIS to the local conditions at the application site can help improve product use decisions. The careful use of pesticides in combination with the adoption of improved application techniques will reduce the environmental impact of crop protection products both within the crop and on the wider countryside.
