Farmers reprieve after NRoSO extension

The NFU met with the National Register of Sprayer Operators and other stake-holders to agree a one-year extension to give early members the chance to register extra points and qualify for renewed membership status.

Plant health adviser Neil Kift said: “The introduction of new training methods often involves significant development of systems and both users and trainers have struggled to meet the changing demands. Trainers didn’t apply for points for events that would have been valid, farmers didn’t realise they had to sign registers and registers weren’t always returned meaning points didn’t go on farmers’ records.

“As a result many who joined the scheme, in the first year 2003, have, in effect, only had two years to collect points rather than the three envisaged. These members will be given the chance to pay for a one-off single year’s additional registration for NRoSO training to give them chance to collect the appropriate points.”

“Finally members are urged to check carefully the points credited to their NRoSO annual statement to ensure this includes points from all relevant course and events. In the event of any discrepancy members should contact the course organiser or the NRoSO to facilitate the submission of relevant evidence of attendance.”

Cont page 2: Crop farmers reprieve after NRoSO extension

The scheme has made other responsive changes to meet the needs of members including rolling over extra points collected during the first three years and changing the weighting of points required for fulfilling membership.