Update on National Sprayer Testing Scheme

26 November 2016 – All vehicle mounted, where the operator rides on the machine, must be tested.

All machines must be tested – unless they are less than 5 years old

Machines with boom widths over 3 metres and air sprayer – must be tested again by 26 November 2020 and thereafter every three years

Machines with 3 metre or less boom widths – tested by 26 November 2016 and then every six years

This does not apply to Knapsack, hand-held or pedestrian controlled machines – these need to be regularly inspected by a competent person and results recorded.

The date and requirements apply to all EU Member States

Pesticide Training

UFU have been informed that training on pesticide application is being offered to farmers which may not result in the attainment of a certificate of competence required under current legislation. If you wish to undergo training please ensure that the assessor is approved by either City and Guilds or Lantra. If this is not the case then any certificate or records of training received will not be valid if you receive an inspection. CAFRE provides training, assessment and certification by City & Guilds at both Greenmount and Loughry Campuses. Training, assessment and certification can be arranged at CAFRE by enrolling online at: os.cafre.ac.uk/website/onlineservices/courses.aspx or contacting the Industry Training Administration Team by email: [email protected] or telephone: 028 9442 6880.

GROWING STRONGER TOGETHER’ - The Ulster Farmers Union is progressing plans to invite all vegetable producers to a special evening forum to discuss and explore benefits of a Producer Organisation (PO). This vegetable meeting will allow producers to learn more about the operation of POs.

Ivor Ferguson UFU Deputy President encourages everyone in vegetable production to attend and find out more about the workings of a Producer Organisation. Growers are encouraged to watch the press for details.

NORTHERN IRELAND FARM QUALITY ASSURED CEREALS SCHEME (NIFQACS) MEMBER FORUM

A special NIFQACS Membership Forum Event is being progressed for February 2016. This new initiative will entitle delegates to a £20 Voucher redeemable against your next Scheme Membership fee.

This is an important new initiative giving us the opportunity to share the importance and credibility of being a member of the NIFQACS within the local food chain. This forum will allow us to discuss and explain recent changes to the Scheme Standard. Speakers include: Dhan Bhandari - Research and KT Manager (Feed, Food Quality and Safety), ADHB Cereals and Oilseeds; Robin Irvine - Chief Executive, NIGTA; Noel Lavery - Operations Manager, NIFCC; Robin Bolton - Senior Crops Technologist, CAFRE

VENUES:

Edenmore Golf Club - 9th February 2016 - 10:00am

Millbrook Lodge - 9th February 2016 - 6:00pm

Radisson Roe - 10th February 2016 - 10:00am

Please register with: NIGTA 16 Glebe Way, St Inns, Moira, Craigavon, BT67 0TQ, telephone 028 92619619 or email [email protected] by Monday 1st February 2016.