This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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No beetles means strawberry fields forever
13/08/2003
A Perthshire soft fruit farmer has developed a sprayer
which can apply fungicides and insecticides efficiently and
accurately using 75% less chemicals than hand-held
sprayers.
Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace today praised the work
of David Arnott during a visit to his farm in Errol.
Mr Arnott, of Mains of Errol farm, grows fruit in
polytunnels using the Seaton System.
The Executive has recently provided funding of £464,000,
as part of a £950,000 raspberry breeding programme,
designed to strengthen the industry in Scotland by
improving disease resistance and increasing yields.
Mr Wallace said:
"The sprayer designed and patented by Mr Arnott plays an
important role in ensuring the health of his crops.
"I understand that he has already sold a number of
these, including to farmers from as far away as Portugal.
This is an excellent example of Scottish innovation.
"The Executive is committed to supporting Scotland's
soft fruit sector, which is why we recently provided almost
£500,000 funding for a raspberry breeding programme."
The Minister had earlier visited the Executive's new
Environment and Rural Affairs department Central Area
Office, at Strathearn House in Perth, where he was given a
tour of the new premises.
The new facilities include PC-access for customers to
submit claims online, a Geographic Information Service
(GIS) facility and dedicated interview rooms with PCs where
customers can have private meetings with staff to discuss
their business. There are also fully-equipped laboratory
facilities for State Veterinary Service staff based
there.
Mr Wallace said:
"The new site, just off the Perth bypass, was chosen to
be easily accessible from all directions for farmers and
staff
"Although only a few months old, the new offices are
already providing an efficient and effective service to our
customers."
Mr Arnott has 10 acres of the 130 acres farm in soft
fruit, and grows strawberries in polytunnels using the
Seaton System. The Seaton System comprises raised tables,
grow bags and drip irrigation.
The Executive announced in July 2003 that it is
assisting a consortium comprising various interests with
funding for a new raspberry-breeding programme. Full
details of this can be found at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/2003/07/SEen551.aspx
Strathearn House was officially opened by Rural
Development Minister Ross Finnie on 3 March 2003. Details
of this can be found at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/2003/03/SEEN369.aspx