Copper usage for apple and pear crops

We have an update on copper for the control scab and canker in apples and pears for the 2020 season.

Currently, there is no copper product with fungicide approval for use on organic apples and pears. This year, bud burst is earlier than usual for some crops, which may cause problems.

There is an application for an emergency authorisation in the pipeline for the Certis Copper Hydroxide product, Funguran Progress, that the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) have submitted and are supporting, but it may not be in place for a few weeks.

We're communicating with AHDB and Defra about this and will update you of any approval as soon as we are aware of one. If you have any questions about this, please contact your Certification Officer.