It’s been reported that there’s confusion from farmers as to whether they need to attend a rodent control course, to purchase and use rodenticides on-farm.
“Farmers are reminded that if they are members of a stewardship farm assurance scheme which has among its standards a structured, documented and audited programme of rodenticide pest management, they do not need to enrol on a course until after December 2017,” says Ken Black, rural hygiene manager from Bayer.
Members of the following schemes do not require an additional qualification to purchase or apply rodenticides until 31st December 2017:
- British Egg Industry Council Code of Practice for Lion Eggs
- Duck Assurance Scheme (Breeder Replacement, Breeder Layers, Hatcheries, Table Birds, Free-Range Table Birds)
- Agricultural Industries Confederation (Compound Feeds, Combinable Crops and Animal Feeds)
- Red Tractor Farm Assurance (Beef and Lamb, Dairy, Combinable Crops and Sugar Beet, Fresh Produce, Pigs, Poultry)
- Quality Meat Scotland (Cattle and Sheep, Pigs)
- Farm Assured Welsh Livestock (Beef and Lamb)
- Scottish Quality Crops
- Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (Beef and Lamb, Cereals)
- Quality British Turkey
“It’s important to note that this interim measure will apply until the end of this year, unless the approved farm assurance schemes in question bring their standards fully in line with the CRRU Code of Best Practice,” reminds Ken.
The widely-publicised CRRU (Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use) stewardship initiative dictates that as of 1st April 2017, farmers who are NOT members of an approved farm assurance scheme, will have to take a course, and pass an exam, to show rodenticide use competence to allow them to purchase the products themselves.
There are approximately 11 different qualifications to choose from, including online training courses, such as one run by the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), which include a BASIS exam after completion.
For more information on the CRRU guidelines or to book a place on an approved training course please visit: http://www.thinkwildlife.org/
The Bayer Pest Solutions Team can be contacted for further support with rodenticide inquiries on 00800 1214 9451 or pestsolutions@bayer.com.
