THE PRACTICAL implications of new waste regulations will be the focus of a series of roadshows being organised across the country as part of the Voluntary Initiative.

Over 200 workshops are planned, to help farmers and sprayer operators understand the factors affecting pesticide packaging, container disposal and emergency procedures. There will also be sessions covering efficient spraying, organisers said.

“Changes in regulation will affect how farmers can dispose of pesticide packaging,” said VI manager, Patrick Goldsworthy.

“For instance, in England and Wales drum incinerator will no longer be legal. Therefore, many farmers and their advisers will need a major rethink on how to ensure containers are thoroughly cleaned, where to store empties and how to organise disposal in the future.”

Five CPD points are available for those on the National Register of Sprayer Operators.

Each workshop is being organised by an agrochemical distributor or agronomy company and details of those involved are available here.