Viewpoint


Plant Protection Products


A time of change!


With a time of 9.58 seconds, Usain Bolt holds the record for the fastest ever 100 metres. The speed of change in the amenity sector relating to Plant Protection Products (PPPs) hasn’t quite been at that record setting pace, but there are a good number of individuals who either apply chemicals, or are involved in the supply chain, who wouldn’t contest that the pace of recent change in this sector is somewhat ‘Bolt’ like. Maxwell Amenity’s Dan Hughes reflects on a time of change for PPPs


12 I PC JUNE/JULY 2017 A


n unprecedented wave of product withdrawals and amendments impacting herbicide, fungicide and insecticide control options has forced us to consider and


evolve cultural and chemical practices. What is sure is that off the shelf replacements, in the vast majority of cases, are not available. The bad news for some is that the rate of


pace of withdrawals shows no sign of changing and, as an industry, we are rapidly adapting practices with new and innovative approaches to problems. The significant driver is the Plant Protection


Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 transpose Directive 2009/128/EC on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides. It includes a number of provisions aimed at achieving the sustainable use of pesticides by reducing risks and impacts on human health and the environment. These include:


- the establishment of National Action Plans; compulsory testing of application equipment


- provision of training for, and arrangements for the certification of, operators, advisors and distributors


- a ban (subject to limited exceptions) on aerial spraying


- provisions to protect water, public spaces and conservation areas


- the minimisation of risks from handling, storage and disposal


- promotion of low input regimes, including Integrated Pest Management (IPM)


Operator and public risk exposure to hazardous and toxic substances and maximum residue levels (MRLs) are often talked about as the primary drivers for withdrawal, but a pesticide product can be taken off for a number of reasons. The HSE list the following reasons to why a chemical may get withdrawn:


1. When active substances are included or renewed on the approved list (Regulation


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