Attendees at this year’s Cereals event are being encouraged to keep their eyes open for the Watch Out! for illegal pesticides stand. The stand will offer advice on the precautions you should take to minimise the risks of buying and using illegal pesticides.
Watch Out! for illegal pesticides is the message of a nationwide, industry campaign launched to raise awareness of the risks of illegal pesticides. The campaign is supported by the Voluntary Initiative and Red Tractor Assurance, with funding from the Crop Protection Association, National Farmers Union and Agricultural Industries Confederation.
Trade in illegal pesticides, involving organised criminal gangs, is increasing around the world. These illegal pesticides are untested and uncontrolled and therefore may contain inferior or even dangerous and banned substances. Their use could endanger the health of sprayer operators, deprive farmers of their Single Farm Payment and farm assured status, result in crop failure or rejection, create environmental risks to wildlife soil and water and even lead to prosecution.
Richard Butler, Voluntary Initiative (VI) Chairman, said; "We're delighted to be promoting the Watch Out! campaign at Cereals along with our stewardship advice on responsible pesticide use.
"As every farmer, operator and agronomist knows, best practice starts with using an approved product and following the information on the label.
"It is really important that farmers are aware of the danger posed by unscrupulous professional counterfeiters who want to undermine their farm businesses, putting the environment at risk as well as the professional reputation of our sector".
