TIPS FOR FARMERS

The dangers of illegal pesticides (1)

Illegal pesticides are untested and uncontrolled so their use can:

Endanger the health of sprayer operators

Result in crop failure, rejection or destruction

Create environmental risks to wildlife, soil and water

Leave unknown residues in soil to contaminate following crops

The dangers of illegal pesticides (2) Leave unknown residues in food products

leading to recalls

Lead to the risk of prosecution and criminal proceedings

Jeopardise SPS entitlements and farm assured status

Undermine EU/UK pesticide controls

8 Key Tips to protect you and your business

1. Buy only known and reputable Crop Protection Products from known and reputable suppliers

2. Check the accreditation (eg BASIS) of advisers recommending and/or supplying products

3. Always question unrealistic prices

8 Key Tips to protect you and your business

4. Check that the product on the invoice and delivery note matches the product ordered and delivered

5. Check that packaging is professional, tamper-proof and securely sealed and has a full label written in English

6. Check the colour and appearance of the product are as expected

8 Key Tipsto protect you and your business

7. If you are told the product “is the same as X’s” and is a parallel import, ask who made it and which country it came from

8. Check the label for details of the producer, approval holder and official authorisation and look for it on:

https://secure.pesticides.gov.uk/pestreg/ProdSearch.asp

ALWAYS REPORT SUSPICIOUS PRODUCTS AND SUPPLIERS

Use the DEFRA helpline:08459 33 55 77

For more information go towww.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk/watchout