A NEW GUIDE to the handling and disposal of washings around pesticide handling and mixing areas has just been made available to growers.

As part of the Voluntary Initiative (VI), the joint Environment Agency/ Crop Protection Association guide aims to help farmers improve farmyard practice, comply with the law and protect water.

It covers best practice for mixing and handling pesticides, what to do with left over spray solution and washings, as well as latest guidance on the use of biobeds to break down pesticides.

“Anyone who applies pesticides on farms needs to read this guidance,” said the EA‘s pesticide policy manager, Andy Croxford.

“There is no excuse for farmers to fall foul of the Groundwater Regulations and in doing so risk losing part of their Single Farm Payment.”

The guide should be essential reading for any spray operators and trainers, added VI manager, Patrick Goldsworthy.

“There has been a lot of confusion over the years and this guide clarifies complex regulations and explains latest thinking on best practice.”

A free copy of the guide can be downloaded from the Netregs section of www.environment-agency.gov.uk.