15 December 2010
CONTRACTORS SUPPORT PESTICIDE MEASURES
Responding to today's Defra announcements on new European pesticides legislation,
the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) is pleased that the professionalism of contractors
and spray operators has been recognised.
'We welcome Defra’s proportionate response which supports current industry measures but with some additional
regulatory support to ensure all operators will meet the required standards for training, certification and
application equipment testing.
The NAAC continues to support the need for voluntary notification of spraying if residents have concerns.
We are delighted that Defra has taken a pragmatic approach to allow spray operators to make decisions based on
local conditions', commented Jill Hewitt, NAAC Chief Executive. 'The NAAC will continue to work with Defra and
other industry organisations to ensure appropriate measures are maintained.'
Jill Hewitt said, 'Land-managers are increasingly turning to contractors to carry out spraying operations,
to minimise capital investment in equipment and avoid the necessity to employ specialist, skilled operators.
This is a positive step as professional sprayer contractors are already a highly trained, highly regulated
sector of the industry. They are serious about their businesses and serious about the need to protect the
safety of the public and environment. The spraying operation is a highly visible, sensitive operation and a
contractor cannot afford to make mistakes – every job is an advert for their business therefore it must be
done properly.'
For further information contact:
Jill Hewitt, Chief Executive, National Association of Agricultural Contractors
Mobile: 07889 511245 Tel: 08456 448750 email: jill.hewitt@naac.co.uk
Notes
Founded in 1897, the NAAC is the representative organisation for contractors in the UK who supply all
types of land-based services to farmers, government, local authorities, sports and recreational facilities.
www.naac.co.uk
The NAAC is a member of the Voluntary Initiative.
www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk