Episode 16 – How IPM works for us: a farmer and agronomist’s perspective

In this episode of the Defra Farming Podcast, guest host Tom Allen-Stevens—an arable farmer in Oxfordshire and founder of the British On Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN)—is joined by Cambridgeshire farmer Martin Lines and agronomist Ed Schofield.

Martin and Ed share with Tom how they are applying integrated pest management (IPM) on-farm to reduce reliance on chemical inputs while maintaining productivity and supporting biodiversity. The conversation covers practical approaches to IPM planning, monitoring and evaluation, habitat management for beneficial insects, the role of resistant crop varieties, and the importance of effective collaboration between farmers and agronomists.

The episode also highlights the launch of the UK Pesticides National Action Plan 2025 and how farmers can get involved in research and innovation through initiatives like the ADOPT fund and IPM NET.

🔗 Useful links mentioned in this episode:

• UK Pesticides National Action Plan 2025
• IPM NET
• Defra Farming blog - ADOPT Fund: guidance now available for innovation funding
• Innovate UK – ADOPT: How it works
• British On Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN)
• ASSIST Project
• The Voluntary Initiative
• Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO)