UK Unveils Upgrade to the Sustainable Farming Incentive Scheme: BASIS Introduces Comprehensive IPM Course to Align with New Environmental Land Management Initiatives.

The recent upgrades to the SFI for 2024 were disclosed by Mr. Barclay during the recent Oxford Farming Conference. These enhancements include an average of 10% increase in payments for farmers, the introduction of approximately 50 new actions, updates to 50 existing actions, and the implementation of 21 "premium payments" reserved for actions with the most significant environmental impact such as IPM1.

In tandem with this progressive announcement, an online course titled Creating an IPM Plan - A Practical Guide is launched at Lamma 2024 to equip agricultural professionals, and those involved in sustainable farming practices with essential tools for effective and environmentally friendly farming. This course is strategically designed to align with the SFI Action IPM1 criteria, offering participants an opportunity to enhance their Integrated Pest Management (IPM) planning skills.

The curriculum encompasses a comprehensive exploration of IPM planning tools, addressing risk assessment, and developing customised plans tailored to meet the evolving demands of sustainable farming practices. Participants will gain insights into integrated control measures for pests, weeds, and diseases, laying a solid foundation for more specialised courses in these areas. The practical guide provides step-by-step guidance on crafting personalised IPM plans, supported by templates, interactive activities, and real-world case studies for immediate on-farm application.

Who is This Course For? The Practical Guide is ideal for farmers, agricultural professionals, or anyone engaged in sustainable farming practices. It caters to those seeking to enhance their IPM skills or newcomers looking to establish a solid foundation. The content is specifically tailored to UK arable land and aligns with the SFI Action IPM1 - Assess integrated pest management and produce a plan, making it an invaluable resource for individuals keen on meeting the new SFI standards.

Course Contents and Structure The course is structured into seven comprehensive modules, covering:

1. Introduction to IPM planning
2. Risk Assessment for farms/fields
3. IPM planning tools
4. Integrated control measures
5. Creating an IPM plan
6. Evaluation and review of IPM plans
7. Understanding the benefits, costs, and risks

Each module is meticulously designed to ensure a holistic understanding of IPM planning and its implications for farming practices.

Entry Requirements and Duration There are no pre-entry requirements for this course, and all individuals are welcome to participate. The course is self-led and is expected to take approximately 1 hour to complete, though the actual duration may vary based on user engagement.

In addition to this practical guide, further support is in development with three additional practical guides focusing on Pest and Beneficials, Weeds, and Diseases, all hyperlinked to relevant pages for seamless navigation.

For further information and to enrol in the course, visit
www.basis-classroom.co.uk