Growers warned to look out for stolen Norfolk agrochemicals
© Tim Scrivener Growers and agrochemical distributors should be on their guard after a well-organised break-in at a major distributor store in Norfolk saw a large quantity of herbicides stolen.
Supplier organisation the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has advised farmers to be vigilant for product for sale from unknown or suspicious sources following the raid in the early hours of Monday, 6 February.
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It added that crop protection companies and farming businesses should also be alert to the risk of further thefts by organised criminals, as the spring season of use approaches.
Products stolen from the store included a large quantity of herbicides for spring use, including Grazon, Basagran, Artist, Broadway Star, Maister, Signum, and Pacifica Plus.
Hazel Doonan, AIC’s head of crop protection and agronomy, said: “Any business or individual selling or supplying professional Plant Protection Products (PPPs) must hold the Basis certificate in crop protection.
“Growers should be wary of inadvertently handling stolen goods and the potential damage to their business reputation, including the risk of breaching some farm assurance standards around traceability of inputs.
“They should be extremely cautious if they are offered product that appears to be exceptionally cheap or does not come from a known and reputable distribution company.”
Anyone approached to buy PPPs from an unknown or suspicious seller is advised to report the details to the police by calling 101, or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers UK by calling 0800 555 111.