Seven keys to see off spray tax – CPA
22 May 2001
Seven keys to see off spray tax – CPA
By Andrew Blake
FARMERS must address seven key areas now to deliver environmental benefits to see off a pesticide tax threat, warn agrochemical manufacturers.
A tax was shelved at the Budget, provided farmers, distributors and manufacturers deliver the voluntary measures acceptable to the government.
While a voluntary stewardship package has been delayed by foot-and-mouth and the General Election, work has gone on, says the Crop Protection Association.
And although a planned farm survey is on hold, changes to training are high on the agenda, said Patrick Goldsworthy of the CPA.
Under the new code, staff will be expected to join a new professional operators register and stay there through professional development training.
The CPA also highlights sprayer testing, filling procedures and more compliance with Local Environment Risk Assessment for Pesticides (LERAP).
Increased integrated crop protection, wildlife initiatives and crop protection management plans must also be addressed by farmers says the association.
A revised, but still voluntary, MOT-style sprayer testing scheme is “an obvious and reasonable step,” says Mr Goldsworthy.
And steps must be taken to ensure that more people comply with LERAP measures, he stressed.
The Pesticides Safety Directorate is soon expected to promote LERAPs more vigorously, noted CPA regulatory affairs officer David Priestley.
The association has supported integrated crop protection methods for over a decade, and farmers need to do likewise, urged Mr Goldsworthy.
And with the greening of the Common Agricultural Policy and increased support for wildlife schemes, more farms need to become involved, he believes.
“All these issues are likely to be addressed by crop protection management plans. These are a key component of the whole stewardship package.”
A detailed survey of spraying practices and equipment on 350 arable farms, and a follow up postal questionnaire of 1000 others, are the next steps.
The survey is due to be conducted this autumn with a report published by February 2001.
But foot-and-mouth and the forthcoming election mean it still awaits the green light, explains CPA government relations manager Martin Savage.
The prospect of having an independent chairman for the steering group behind the stewardship package in place by the June 1 deadline is now remote, he says.
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