We issue guidance for farmers and growers (including forestry) on all aspects of the use of agricultural and horticultural pesticides (Plant Protection Products).
Advice on Using and Storing Pesticides
Information on Pesticide Product Authorisations
Our searchable databases can help you to find information you want on each pesticide product (these links will take you to our Databases area):
Parallel Imports
Farmers and Growers can import pesticides for their own use in this country. We provide information and guidance on the Parallel Imports of Pesticides:
Parallel Trade Permits for Pesticides for 'Own-Use'
The Long Term Arrangements for Extensions of Use (LTAEU)
The LTAEU were introduced as a temporary measure in the late 1980s to allow pesticides to be used on listed minor crops. Since that time UK pesticide authorisations have gradually been transferring to EU based legislation, where specific authorisations are required for all uses.
The exercise to replace the LTAEU for use on edible crops by converting uses to Specific Off-Label Approvals (SOLAs) (renamed Extensions of Authorisation for Minor Use in June 2011) has now been completed . The LTAEU for use on edible crops expired on the 31 December 2006. Further details are available through the link below :
The LTAEU guidelines have been amended to take into account the conversion of arrangements for edible crops to "Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use" (previously called SOLAs ).
We have started to replace the non-edible uses in the arrangements. Please see the following Regulatory Update for the latest information on this process:
Regulatory Update 15/2012: Notification of additional active substances prohibited under the Long Term Arrangements for Extension of Use (non edible crops).
Essential uses
Essential Uses arose out of the European review of all pesticides. As a result of this review some 600 active substances were not supported by approval holders. This loss of active substances particularly affects minor crops and uses. To alleviate the immediate problem posed by the loss of a number of active substances the European Commission agreed that a limited number of Essential Uses could be temporarily maintained. This would provide the opportunity for alternatives to be developed. The UK secured 14 active substances. Most essential uses have now expired, but 1 active substance still has extant essential uses.
Codes of Practice
We issue guidance on good practice in the use of pesticides. This is published in various codes of practice:
- Codes of Practice Home Page with links to various documents (including those listed individually below).
- Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products.This Code of Practice is for all professional users of plant protection products in England and Wales in respect of Part III of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (FEPA) and the regulations controlling pesticides, particularly plant protection products, under that part of the Act.
This Code replaces three previous codes of practice, including The Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Pesticides on Farms and Small Holdings ("the Green Code").
Training
Anyone who uses a professional pesticide product in the course of their business or employment may not use that pesticide or give instruction to others on their use unless they have received adequate instruction, training and guidance.
Further information about Training
Mixing Services
CRD is aware that some pesticide distributors may offer a mixing service. It is quite legal for mixing to take place after sale. Therefore, purchasers using such services should ensure that any mixtures offered to them are mixed only after sale and that only sufficient quantity for immediate use is purchased. They should not be purchased in bulk and stored for prolonged periods. Further information on mixing services
Pesticide use and Cross Compliance
We have provided some answers to frequently asked questions regarding the use of Pesticides and Cross Compliance. See Regulatory Update 15/2007.
Reducing Environmental Impact
Although plant protection products have many benefits, their use can carry a residual risk to the environment. The Government has a longstanding policy of minimisation of the use of pesticides – encouraging farmers and others to use pesticides in ways that will have least negative impact. More Information from this link .
Aerial Spraying Permitting Arrangements - introduced in June 2012
Information is available on this website regarding how aerial spraying of pesticides has been undertaken since June 2012.
Those carrying out aerial spraying operations must now make sure that:
- the spraying is done in line with an approved Application Plan; and
- specific spray operations have been permitted by the Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD ).
The Application Plan must be completed by aerial spraying operators and submitted to CRD . It must contain details that will allow CRD to approve the Plan and permit any spray operations carried out in line with it. Further information about the Application Plans is available on the following page: Aerial Spraying Permitting Arrangements
Organic Farming
Organic farmers need to take care to follow pesticide legislation, as well as organic rules when choosing substances to protect crops from pest or diseases.
Further Published Guidance Documents
Local Environmental Risk Assessments for Pesticides (LERAP)
You may be able to reduce the buffer zone specified on the product label, for the protection of water, on certain plant protection products. This may be achieved by carrying out a Local Environment Risk Assessment for Pesticides (LERAP). For horizontal boom sprayers it is only possible to reduce buffer zones of 5 metres; buffer zones of greater than 5 metres cannot be reduced.
There are two schemes, including an extension to the LERAP scheme for horizontal boom sprayers, which are fully described in a number of booklets. You can download them from our website (from link above).
Guidance on the Use of Sulphuric Acid
We previously provided guidance to explain best practice in the use of this chemical. However, the commodity substance approval for plant protection uses of sulphuric acid was revoked and the final date for use of sulphuric acid for plant protection purposes was 5 June 2010. Further Information about the review and revocation of sulphuric acid.
Regulatory and Information Updates
Regulatory Updates provide information on changes to legal requirements for Approval Holders, application procedures and the approvals process, and inclusion of products on the Official List of adjuvants. Information Updates are issued for items which may be of interest such as training courses, workshops and seminars.
Regulatory Updates
Information Updates
Other Sources of Information
The Pesticides Forum
Established in 1996, the Pesticides Forum brings together a range of organisations with an interest in the use of pesticides and their impact on the environment. The Forum's remit is to support Government policy on responsible use, which aims for the reduction of impacts on the environment, whilst providing adequate protection for crops.
Pesticides Forum Home Page
Resident and Bystander Exposure to Pesticides - The Good Neighbour Initiative
As part of the Government’s response to the Royal Commission’s study on pesticides, Ministers asked the National Farmers Union (NFU) to collaborate with industry partners and interested stakeholders to draw up a ‘good neighbour’ guide to advise and assist farmers and crop sprayers using pesticides in populated areas.
More information on Resident and Bystander Exposure and the Good Neighbour Initiative
Monitoring and Enforcement Issues
We have a rigorous system of monitoring in place to ensure that the strict controls over pesticides are adhered to.
Information on Pest, Disease and Weed Incidence and Resistance
Pesticide Resistance
CRD is working with other groups to consider how to tackle the resistance of pests to pesticides.
Pesticide Resistance Action Groups website
Pest, Disease and Weed Incidence Information
CRD (and previously PSD) has funded the production of reports from ADAS on the incidence of pests, weeds and diseases in a broad range of cropping situations.
Future Developments for Pesticide Controls
The European Community Review Process
The European Community (EC) is reviewing existing pesticides. We provide up to date information on the EC process and its implications for Farmers and Growers.
Pesticide Strategies
