SPRAY TIPS: 5
SPRAY TIPS: 5
ENVIRONMENTALINFORMATION
A new range of agrochemical information will come on stream later this year to assist advisers and sprayer operators with environmentally responsible spraying.
"The additional information will help on-farm decision makers plan an environmentally balanced programme of products before the season starts, in much the same way as a COSH* assessment is carried out for human health," says Iain Watt, regulatory affairs manager with the Crop Protection Association.
"The format and presentation of the new Environmental Information Sheets has been agreed by CPA members and guidance on their production has been developed in association with the Pesticide Safety Directorate," says Mr Watt. "The information will help agronomist, farmer and sprayer operator benefit the environment."
Where present, environmental hazards will be highlighted for each product, under headings for wildlife, bees, non-target insects and other arthropods, aquatic life, soil and groundwater and field margins.
Each section carries a clear statement of the high, medium or low hazard ranking of the product. The products are also classified in terms of risk.
The risk category is given as either "risk management essential", with guidance on best practice use, or "no risk management necessary" – provided good agricultural practice is followed, as set out in the Green Code for the Safe Use of Pesticides on Farms and Holdings.
For the aquatic environment, the information reinforces LERAP requirements. But in other areas information will need interpretation before relaying good practice advice to the sprayer operator.
Each EIS will be printed as a two-sided A4 leaflet presented in six sections. They will be posted on a web-site.