Farmers are being reminded by the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) that rodenticide training is still available, through a free online service, created to coincide with the introduction of the UK’s new stewardship regime which controls the purchase of the products concerned.
“Rodenticides carrying new stewardship regime labels are starting to hit the shelves, requiring farmers and growers to provide proof of competence when buying them,” said AHDB, warning that the sale of rodenticides with pre-stewardship labels will cease on September 30, 2016, at the very latest. “In fact, it is likely that such old stock will sell out before this.”
The new rules apply immediately to the use of rodenticides with stewardship labels, under which people are already being asked for ID and proof of competence when buying rodenticides. To provide such proof, a free, self-study training course on rodent control is now available from AHDB for farmers via an industry online hub called “Rodent Control on Farms”.
This is one of several training routes to help farmers who want to become certified to use professional rodenticide products under the new rules.
The hub has been funded by AHDB and developed in partnership with other industry organisations including British Poultry Council, NFU and NFU Scotland.
“Gaining the qualification will help farmers and growers make efficient use of rodenticides which in the long term will mean cost savings,” said AHDB.