Pesticide Regulations December 16, 2013 12:00 am Over the next 3 years grassland and arable farmers will have to adhere to new pesticide rules under the EU’s Sustainable Use Directive as additions to cross compliance (SMR 9 on Restrictions on the use of Plant Protection Products). During 2014 farmers must complete Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans to demonstrate they are considering different ways of controlling weeds and are reviewing their practices. From 26 November 2015 ‘grandfather rights’ will no longer exist and anyone applying professional pesticide products must have a recognised certificate. By 26 November 2016 all application equipment must be tested under the National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) by a qualified person. Knapsack and handheld sprayers are exempt. Subsequent testing will be required every five years thereafter until November 26, 2020 and every three years from November 26, 2020. Some types of smaller equipment, less than three metres (9ft 8in) wide, will need to be tested every six years.
