CLOCK HOUSE FARM LIMITED
FARM POLICY STATEMENT
RATIONAL USE OF PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS
CRITERIA FOR USE OF PESTICIDES
In order to produce a product that meets our customer’s specifications it is often necessary
to use a Pesticide Programme. Since its inception, we were members of GROACT for all
our top fruit production (and then subsequently Assured Produce) and have therefore
conformed to an audited protocol is an established practice. We have subsequently become
full members of the Red Tractor Farm Assurance Scheme, Tesco Nurture and LEAF. The
farm has a strong commitment to reducing the chemical plant protection products used and
to the implementation of the integrated crop management system.
When pesticides have to be used the following criteria are followed:
i)
Where it is possible to use effective biological control this would be adopted.
ii)
Pesticides are used only after obtaining advice from our professional BASIS
registered crop monitors who are:
Don Vaughan – FAST
Bob Knight – Koppert UK Limited
Steve Kember – Berry Gardens
or in the event of these people not being available, other suitably qualified members
of their staff.
iii)
Where a choice of products are available the one with the least impact on the
environment always takes preference.
iv)
Where growing systems can be adopted to reduce the use of pesticides these are used
where viable e.g. selecting varieties that have resistance to pests and diseases or
using locations that are less susceptible to potential problems.
v)
When pesticides are used the recommended method of application and harvest
intervals are always adhered to.
vi)
The use of pesticides after the commencement of harvesting is avoided where
possible.
vii)
Where adjuvants are required, the correct application methods and rates are
observed.
CLOCK HOUSE FARM LIMITED
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AND IPM
In accordance with our Pesticide Policy we use non-chemical controls where possible; this is
demonstrated by the use of phytoselius to control red spider mite in strawberries and
raspberries. We avoid the use of broad spectrum insecticides on any crop as we rely on
beneficial insects to control red spider, rust mite, pear sucker and other pests on both top
fruit and soft fruit. Our main crop adviser represents Koppert who are solely suppliers of
biological crop protection requirements.
CROP WALKING
Crop monitoring is carried out by FAST, Bob Knight and Steve Kember of Berry Gardens
on a fortnightly system throughout the growing season. Observations and recommendations
are made in the form of a written report. Recommendations are made by BASIS approved
advisors. All our staff are encouraged to inspect all crops in which they are working and
bring any suspected problems to the attention of the management.
STAFF TRAINING
Our staff are encouraged to attend meetings organized by FAST, Berry Gardens or other
organizations on subjects that will enhance their knowledge on subjects related to crop
production and the use of pesticides e.g. Berry Gardens course on Pest and Disease of
Strawberries and Raspberries, FAST Top Fruit Conference, Berry Gardens Soft Conference.
There is a staff training information held at the Farm Office.
QUALIFICATIONS
As previously stated our advisors are BASIS Registered.
APPLICATIONS
Pesticide applications are never made unless the level of infestation will materially threaten
the health of the plant, tree or the crop. This decision is made after consulting with our crop
monitoring advisors. All pesticide applications are made in accordance with the ‘Green’
Code.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Pesticide application instructions are made from our Gatekeeper computer programme that
is then completed by the operator and returned to the office after the work has been done.
Precautions are taken to avoid non-target areas from direct overspray or spray drift and
beekeepers are given 24 hours notice of the intention to apply a pesticide that might be
potentially hazardous to bees.
RECORDING
The information contained on the completed application form is entered on the Gatekeeper
computer programme.
SPRAY CERTIFICATES
Our spray operators hold appropriate NPTC Certificates of Competence and are now
registered with the National Register of Sprayer Operators central register.
CLOCK HOUSE FARM LIMITED
HARVEST DATE
The Gatekeeper computer programme sets out the first permissible harvest date for each
field. This is referred to each morning before the field supervisors are given harvesting
instructions.
EQUIPMENT
Spraying equipment is renewed on a regular basis to ensure the use of the most up-to-date
technology and is maintained on a regular basis. Nozzles are renewed on a regular basis
in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. Mechanical maintenance is carried
out by HOP Engineering who offer a high quality of service. Each sprayer is annually tested
under the National Sprayer Testing Scheme and Pass Reports held in the Farm Office. The
farm purchased three new sprayers in 2010 and a further new top fruit sprayer in 2011 in
order to ensure that our pesticide application is as efficient as possible. By purchasing new
equipment we intend to reduce the amount and the application frequency of the chemical
plant protection products utilized.
STOCKS
Pesticide stock records are kept on our Gatekeeper computer programme. All deliveries are
entered and when applications are made this is deducted from stock automatically. The
stock records are kept in the pesticide store and in the office where the computer data is also
stored in a fire proof safe.
STORE
Our pesticide store conforms with all codes contained in Health & Safety at Work Act, Food
and Environmental Protection Act and Water Act. There are washing facilities directly
outside the store and sinks and showers within 30 metres.
DISPOSAL OF CONTAINERS
Disposal of empty pesticide containers is carried out by rinsing out containers three times,
before puncturing them to ensure they cannot be reused. The rinsed and punctured
containers are then placed in recyclable bags in a secure holding area for collection by Born
Again Plastics for recycling.
DRENCHES
Post harvest drenches are not used at all.
CLOTHING
Personal Protective Clothing Equipment is stored in a secure locker, located in the pesticide
store and cleaned in accordance with instructions.
CLOCK HOUSE FARM LIMITED
WASHINGS
In the event of diluted pesticide being left after spraying, this is resprayed over crop as long
as it does not exceed maximum dose. Sprayer washings are dealt with in a similar way –
and in all cases in accordance with the Ground Water Directive 1999.
A record is held to demonstrate the dispersal of surplus spray – refer to Application Records.
BIOBED
We have installed a lined biobed to catch contaminated run off and equipment wash water,
which significantly reduces the risk of water contamination through pesticide usage.
MIXING AND MEASURING
An area is set-aside in the pesticide store for mixing chemicals. A table, accurate scales and
measuring jugs are provided. All handling of pesticides is carried out in accordance with the
British Crop Protection Council Complete Guide to Safe Effective Spraying. Scales are
checked on a routine basis and the Scale Check Record completed recording results.
TESCO NUTURE
Tesco Nurture’s Crop Management Specification and Codes of Practice are kept up to date.
Any amendments are supplied by Berry Gardens.
LERAPS
A local environmental risk assessment is always carried out before applying pesticides.
FIELD MARGINS AND NON-CROPPING AREAS
Pesticides are never applied to non-cropping areas.
R K PASCALL
February, 2012
CLOCK HOUSE FARM LIMITED