While electronic spray diaries are the norm for most of the industry, and mandatory for export, not all our growers use them. Indeed, there is no compulsion to do so.
Consequently, it is more difficult to get full and complete data for Summerfruit NZ’s benchmarking of chemical use. This information is used to chart what growers are using at present and trends that are emerging, to plot the rate of uptake of pest and disease control research, and to inform the regulatory bodies when reviews of agrichemicals are being undertaken.
And again, while it’s not compulsory to have an electronic diary, any GAP audit that wants to delve deeper will be easier if it’s all in one place and easily accessible.
To encourage uptake, Summerfruit NZ in conjunction with the agchem merchants, are offering a free one-year subscription to the HortPlus electronic spray diary – SprayLog. Please note that SprayLog will not generate an export clearance and therefore only suitable for fruit for sale in New Zealand.
To further sweeten the deal, Summerfruit NZ’s Richard Mills is happy to help with the setup if required over a cup of coffee. Naturally, some conditions will apply. Please note that this free offer is still available for anyone interested in looking to update their information collection processes. We know that the season has pretty much ended, but there is no problem with entering retrospective data and makes for good practice.
Our understanding is that SprayLog will work on any device that you have and is suitable for those of us with fat fingers and small phones.
Our thanks to FruitFed, Horticentre and Farmalnds for supporting this initiative. Without them this offer may not have been possible. In the short term this will save the industry money and give us better information.
Please contact Richard Mills directly on 021 632559 or email richard.mills@summerfruitnz.co.nz if you are interested in learning more about SprayLog.