Strict retailer standards, knowledge gaps and policy uncertainty are preventing wider adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) in the UK’s fresh-produce sector, according to a new study from the University of Warwick.
Researchers identify 10 obstacles to wider IPM adoption
The research, based on interviews with 24 key players across the supply chain, identified 10 connected barriers that are limiting uptake of IPM practices designed to reduce reliance on pesticides while improving crop resilience.
Interviewees included growers, agronomists, retailers, policymakers, researchers and crop-protection companies.
The researchers found that concerns over crop appearance and consistency remain a major obstacle.
Interviewees reported that expectations for high-quality, blemish-free produce can make growers reluctant to move away from routine pesticide use, even when they are interested in adopting alternative pest-management approaches.
Perfect produce expectations increase grower risk
According to the study, many growers perceive changing pest-management practices as a commercial risk because any decline in crop quality could jeopardise market access.
IPM combines a range of approaches to managing pests, including crop and habitat management, monitoring, biological controls and targeted pesticide use when necessary. However, researchers found that implementation varies significantly between crops and production systems, making a single industry-wide approach difficult.
Lead researcher Professor Rosemary Collier OBE said efforts to increase IPM adoption must move beyond broad pesticide-reduction targets.
“IPM has to work within the realities of each crop and production system,” she said. “Growers need reliable, practical information on what works, as well as the support to test and adopt new approaches without taking unacceptable risks to crop quality or supply.”
The 10 challenges slowing integrated pest management uptake
The study identified 10 interconnected barriers that are preventing wider adoption of integrated pest management across UK fresh produce.
Different meanings and levels of IPM adoption
IPM is interpreted differently across production sectors, with approaches varying significantly between crops. Researchers found this makes it difficult to develop a single strategy or target for the industry.
Policy uncertainty
Interviewees highlighted uncertainty around pesticide-reduction targets, future trade agreements and government policy, making it harder for businesses to invest with confidence.
Limited policy support and measurement
Respondents said there is no effective system to encourage, benchmark or track IPM adoption, making progress difficult to assess.
Perceived risks to crop quality
Many growers fear changing pest-management practices could affect crop appearance, consistency or yields. With retailers and consumers often expecting blemish-free produce, conventional pesticide use can appear to be the safer option.
Knowledge gaps
Participants identified significant gaps in practical knowledge around crop monitoring, pest thresholds, catch crops and biopesticides.
Insufficient research and weak connections
The study found that underinvestment in research and weak links between growers, researchers, advisers and industry stakeholders are limiting the development and dissemination of new IPM approaches.
Limited peer-to-peer learning
Competition within the industry can discourage growers from sharing experiences and lessons learned, restricting opportunities for knowledge exchange.
Loss of knowledge-exchange capacity
Interviewees pointed to the closure of AHDB Horticulture in 2022 as a major setback, saying it left a significant gap in sector-wide support and information sharing.
Inadequate training and advice
Interviewees said available training programmes and advisory services have not kept pace with the increasing complexity of modern crop protection and IPM systems.
Over-reliance on technology
While technologies such as sensors, monitoring systems and precision agriculture tools can support IPM, interviewees warned that an excessive focus on technology risks overlooking the fundamental principles that underpin effective pest management.
Calls for greater investment and crop-specific strategies
Participants highlighted a need for renewed investment in research, independent advice and knowledge exchange, particularly following the loss of sector-wide support services.
The researchers concluded that accelerating adoption will require crop-specific IPM strategies, improved monitoring systems, stronger connections between researchers and practitioners, and renewed investment in research, training and biological-product stewardship.
The findings were published in the paper Integrated pest management uptake in UK fresh produce: Barriers and opportunities in the Annals of Applied Biology.
