March 2009
Sulphuric Acid Falls Victim
Members involved in the specialised and highly skilled application of sulphuric acid as a dessicant have been shocked to learn that the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) have now revoked this product as a result of a European Commission decision dated 5 December 2008. This means that contractors and growers will only be allowed to use this product until 5 June 2010.
Following earlier correspondence with the trade body for sulphuric acid manufacturers and distributors in the UK, we were aware that the product was not going to continue to be supported, due to the complex and expensive requirements of re-approval under 91/414. However, the industry was anticipating that acid would remain available in the UK until after the 2011 season.
This has now been significantly cut to one season in 2009.
The NAAC is now in discussion with the acid suppliers and will keep members of the sulphuric acid register fully informed of any further news or developments.