EU’s Sustainable Use Directive means only two weeks to spray until registration deadline

November 26 is the registration deadline for the new spray regulations set by the EU’s Sustainable Use Directive.

This legislation has implications for agricultural contractors and farmers who wish to carry out spraying operations, whether using a knapsack or boom sprayer.

The term pesticide refers to a broad range of products used as plant protection products (PPP) and/or biocidal products.

Professional users are required to undertake training and once this is complete, they must register with the Department of Agriculture. The same is true for advisors, sellers and distributors of pesticides.

Who should register?

Anyone who applies pesticides which are designated as ‘Professional Use’ on the label, irrespective of the method of application or quantity applied, must register.

For example: Roundup applied with a knapsack; or, any product applied to grassland or crops with a sprayer.

A farmer who buys sprays but gets a contractor who is a registered professional user to apply them on their behalf does not have to register.

How do farmers register?

You must register online at http://www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/sud/sudreg/ (there is no paper registration form).

Detailed screenshots to help farmers register are available on the Teagasc and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine websites.

What qualifications does a farmer need to register?

A farmer must have completed an approved pesticide course.

For approved courses and how to query Teagasc education records, see the www.teagasc.ie/training/courses/pesticide- training.asp website.

Who can purchase pesticides?

Any person (whether sprayer trained or not) can purchase professional-use products.

Purchase records will be maintained by merchants.

Only registered professional users can apply professional use products.

Any person can buy and apply amateur-use products.

Amateur pesticides are products that are used in the home or garden situation and are approved for such purposes.

You do not need any formal training to use these products; neither are you required to register as a user with DAFM. These products are most likely to be found in your local garden centre, DIY store or supermarket.

What are the sanctions under the Sustainable Use Directive (SUD)?

The SUD will be inspected as part of cross-compliance. Breaches may be subject to a penalty of €250, but in future, that may be a percentage of Single Farm Payments.

What else should you know?

Boom sprayers (greater than 3m wide) must be tested by November 26, 2016. Farmers must keep records of all sprays applied.

For further information, contact your local Teagasc adviser, or see www.teagasc.ie or www.pcs.agriculture. gov.ie/sud