Three-month pesticides amnesty announced

A three-month amnesty has been announced for pesticides and biocides in a bid to protect people, wildlife and the environment.

It gives growers the opportunity to check their chemical stores and clear out any banned products, such as IPU (isoproturon).

Growers can dispose of any unwanted, out-of-date or revoked pesticides and biocides from 3 January to 14 March 2011, as part of Project SOE (Security of the Operational Environment).

Any product can be disposed of, provided a list of the products, quantities, packaging and information about the condition packaging is supplied.

Registration is due to start on Friday 17 December, and a one-off fee of £20 is payable to Killgerm Chemicals Ltd, who are administering the amnesty.

NFU vice-president Gwyn Jones said: “A huge range of products have lost UK approval as pesticides and biocides for a variety of reasons over the last few years.

“This is a great opportunity to check your stores and dispose of anything that is out of date or no longer legal.”