From November 26th this year anyone applying a pesticide authorised for professional use will need to hold a specified certificate of competence.
 
The exemption allowing those born before 31st December 1964 to use professional pesticides without such a certificate ends on November 26th.  From this date anyone using professional pesticides will need to have a certificate prior to making the application, unless they are being supervised for the purpose of training by someone who holds such a certificate.

From 26th November 2015 it also becomes an offence for anyone to purchase pesticides authorised for professional use unless they have ensured that the intended end user holds the relevant specified certificate(s).
 
Commenting on the change, AIC’s Hazel Doonan said, “It’s important that everyone understands their legal obligations in relation to the ending of Grandfather Rights, and the purchase and use of professional pesticides.  From the 26th November this change in legislation could have serious consequences for anyone caught out; the poster aims to help prevent this by ensuring that everyone buying professional pesticides is aware of the new requirements.”

The certificates required for most agricultural users are either:

• The City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides Replacing Grandfather Rights
• Or A level 2 award in the safe use of pesticides AND all relevant application modules for the type of application undertaken (eg. PA2, PA6).

For details of providers for training and certification visit www.pesticides.gov.uk
 
For help deciding which certification route is most appropriate for you and your farm business consult the Grandfather Rights pages at voluntaryinitiative.org.uk