With increasing focus on protecting the environment – both through legislation and voluntary schemes – farmers are under immense pressure to make more efficient use of these resources.

However, until recently there have been no training schemes to help farmers and contractors to meet these demands.

“Regulations dictate that all operators applying pesticides must hold a certificate in their safe use,” said Charlotte Boole, partner at Greenway Training.

There was no equivalent accredited training available for the application of fertilisers and manures.

Over the past year, Greenway Training has worked with Wessex Water and LANTRA to fill this gap, with the first courses held earlier this month.

“Initially we are focusing on the Poole Harbour and Brinkworth Brook catchment areas, but as a LANTRA-accredited course it can be rolled out nationwide,” she said.

“We hope that training providers in other regions will take up the baton to benefit farmers and the environment alike.”

Nuffield scholar and Herefordshire farmer Chris Padfield, who delivered the first courses explained about 60% of nitrates and 25% of phosphates in the waters of England and Wales originate from agricultural activities.

“And around 90% of the EU’s ammonia emissions come from agriculture, leading to new air pollution targets being introduced,” he said.

As farmers we are going to have to worry more about ammonia emissions and pollution.

Diffuse pollution is the result of small amounts of nutrients leaching into the surface and groundwater from multiple sources, so it is difficult to manage, he added.

“But if you can make better use of your manures and fertilisers it will improve efficiencies and yields – and reduce nutrient losses, which in turn affects both profits and the environment.”

Land managers are ultimately responsible for anything taking place on their land. However, if they provide a contractor with clear instructions and maps and a pollution incident occurs, the EA may consider action against the contractor.

LANTRA Technical Award in the Safe Use and Application of Fertiliser & Manure

Summary:
The LANTRA Technical Award in the Safe Use and application of fertiliser and manure has been developed so that operators can demonstrate that they know how to comply with current environmental regulations and good practice.

Target audience:
This accredited training and assessment has been developed for individuals involved in a variety of roles using fertiliser and organic manure. This training will be suitable for those entering work and those who have established themselves as experienced operators. This training is available for learners aged 16+ wishing to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in the safe use and application of fertiliser and organic manure.

Description:
This course provides the opportunity to obtain a Technical Award certificate to demonstrate that they know how to comply with current environmental regulations and good practice. The training will enhance the ability of personnel to work safely, effectively and efficiently in the workplace, reducing unnecessary risks to the environment (especially water) themselves or others.

Product objectives:
The training and assessment aims to assess the learner’s knowledge and understanding of:
• Consequences of not using and managing fertilisers and manures properly
• Legislation and Guidance that affects organic and inorganic fertiliser use
• Identifying different types of manure and fertiliser types and understanding product labels
• The environmental impact of fertilisers and how they can be overcome
• Safe Storage, Transport and Security
• Health and Safety and dealing with accidents
• Spreading Machinery
• Working within NVZs (SMR 1) or near water courses (GAEC 1)
• Record Keeping
• Manure Management Plans and Risk Maps

Product purpose:
Demonstrate an understanding of the regulations and best practice relating to the use and application of manure and fertiliser.

£145

(+VAT) to include assessment, lunch and refreshments. Subsidised course rate available to operators working within Wessex Water Catchments (£30)