23 November 2011
Fogging Applicators prove Professionalism
Today, the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) launched a unique new Assured Land-Based Contractor (CIPC Applicator) scheme.
This independently audited standard will prove the professionalism of chlorpropham (CIPC) applicators, raising standards and providing customers
with genuine assurances about the quality of service, safety and traceability of the operation. CIPC is an agrochemical which is widely used as a
sprout suppressant on stored potatoes, particularly in the processing sector.
The NAAC scheme is designed to help those involved in CIPC application put in place an operation which is tightly and safely controlled, ensuring:
- personnel are suitably skilled and qualified;
- machinery is regularly and appropriately calibrated and tested;
- CIPC storage and transport meet legal requirements;
- emergency procedures are in place;
- full traceability through record keeping;
- hazards are identified and controlled.
It will establish a framework of good and safe working practices, to be verified by NSF-CMi assessors, ensuring that the product is only
applied by professional, qualified operators under strictly controlled conditions.
Endorsed by the Potato Industry CIPC Stewardship Group, the first pilot audit has already taken place and the final standard is now available at:
http://www.naac.co.uk/ALBC/AlbcCIPC.aspx
"NAAC members take their responsibility to apply pesticides very seriously" said Jill Hewitt, NAAC Chief Executive,
"and this new standard will ensure farmers can select a CIPC applicator secure in the knowledge they are health and safety compliant,
insured, have trained competent staff and guarantee a professional level of service. We are currently rolling out the scheme across
the UK and CIPC applicators are encouraged to contact the NAAC to book their audit."
The scheme is open to NAAC members and non-members and the Association will provide NAAC contractors with the appropriate support and advice.
For further information contact:
Jill Hewitt, Chief Executive, National Association of Agricultural Contractors
Mobile 07889 511245 email: jill.hewitt@naac.co.uk
Nick Green, Stored Crop Conservation. The contractor who undertook the first pilot audit
will be available for comment on the Stored Crop Conservation Stand, 134 at the British Potato Event in Harrogate
on 23-24 November 2011 tel: 07774 227878. This is next to the Potato Industry CIPC Stewardship stand.
Notes for Editors
- 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.
- The full NAAC CIPC Application standard can be found at: http://www.naac.co.uk/ALBC/AlbcCIPC.aspx
- The Potato Industry CIPC Stewardship Group was established in 2007/8 and development of an Action Plan is a
continued reflection of the industry's commitment to improving the level of stewardship of the use of this vitally
important sprout suppressant.
http://www.potato.org.uk/sites/default/files/%5Bcurrent-page%3Aarg%3A%3F%5D/cipc_guide_final.pdf