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Click to view all ENVIRONMENT

Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)

Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification

New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to

Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before

Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard

Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.

This icon indicates that a record is required.

Where to find help – at the end of each section we have indicated where you can get extra guidance if you need it.

Cropping Categories Fresh Produce

Category 0
Those you can eat raw and have a significant risk or history of pathogen contamination.

Category 1
Those you can eat raw and which do not have a protective skin that is removed before eating; they may also have a significant risk or history of pathogen contamination.

Category 2
Those you can eat raw and which either have protective skin or grow clear of the ground, or that have no history of pathogen contamination.

Category 3
Those that the customer always cooks.

An up-to-date list of the crop categories can be found on the Red Tractor website.

Aim:

ENVIRONMENT

PR.EC.1 Key

Standards

Potential pollutants must be stored in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution to crops, feedstuffs, animals, soils, groundwater and watercourses. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PR.EC.1.a

Fuel tanks are bunded where required by legislation.

PR.EC.1.b

PPPs are kept in a locked store with access only given to trained and authorised personnel.

PR.EC.1.c

Manufactured fertiliser is stored on a hard, dry surface.

PR.EC.1.d

Fertilisers that pose a combustion or oxidiser hazard are stored in accordance with the Safety Data Sheet.

PR.EC.1.e

Any fertiliser spillage can be contained.

PR.EC.1.f

Organic manures are not stored: - within 10m of inland freshwaters or coastal waters - within 50m of a spring, well or borehole

PR.EC.1.g

Liquid fertiliser is stored in suitable tanks or bowsers: - liquid fertiliser tanks are either bunded or have lockable or removable tap handles

PR.EC.1.h

A documented Pollution Prevention Management Plan identifies all potential pollutants within the business and measures put in place to prevent pollution of the local environment.

Pollution Prevention Management Plan

PR.EC.1.1 Key

Standards

The PPP store must be of a suitable design, construction and layout. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PR.EC.1.1.a

The store has adequate ventilation.

PR.EC.1.1.b

The lighting within the store is sufficient to read product labels.

PR.EC.1.1.c

The store is frost-proof.

PR.EC.1.1.d

The store is away from areas presenting a risk of fire and at least 4m away from flammable materials, sources of ignition.

PR.EC.1.1.e

Warning signs on or adjacent to, the door including: - general warning sign - no smoking sign - naked flames prohibited sign

PR.EC.1.1.f

Liquids cannot contaminate granules and powders.

PR.EC.1.1.g

Fixed shelving is strong enough to support product.

PR.EC.1.1.h

Emergency facilities are available to deal with spillages e.g. sand/absorbent granules/an adequate sump/ability to retain spillages (i.e. bunded).

PR.EC.1.1.i

An outside cage is only used where the product is supplied in a container designed specifically for outside storage.

PR.EC.1.1.j

Segregation of product and empty packaging.

PR.EC.1.1.k

Emergency phone numbers are displayed.

PR.EC.1.1.m

A first aid kit, including eye wash, is available.

PR.EC.1.1.n

A fire extinguisher is available.

PR.EC.1.2

Standards

A list of stored PPPs must be available and updated on a minimum monthly basis. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PR.EC.1.2.a

A list of stored PPPs must be kept and updated on a minimum monthly basis.

PR.EC.1.2.b

The list identifies product and quantity present in the store.

PR.EC.1.2.c

A copy or suitable alternative (e.g. farm software system) is available for use by the emergency services.

List of stored PPPs

PR.EC.2

Standards

In the case of packaging breakages PPPs must be transferred to a suitable container.

How you will be measured

PR.EC.2.a

Container has an appropriate safe closure cap or bag tie.

PR.EC.2.b

The original label information is displayed.

PR.EC.3

Standards

Nitrogen based fertilisers must be stored in a way that minimises the risk of theft. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PR.EC.3.a

Stored in a secure building or compound where there is no public access.

PR.EC.3.b

Product is either not stored close to, or is not visible from, a public highway (covering or sheeting is an acceptable way of ensuring the product is not visible).

PR.EC.3.c

Checks are made to ensure manufactured fertiliser has not been tampered with, moved or stolen.

PR.EC.3.d

Any theft or losses are reported to the police immediately (Tel: 101) as detailed in the Appendix.

PR.EC.3.e

Site map references for granular nitrogen fertiliser storage are recorded (what3words or six figure Easting and Northing reference, e.g. 123456/456789).

PR.EC.3.1

Standards

A list of stored manufactured fertiliser must be kept and updated regularly.

Stored manufactured fertiliser list

PR.EC.3.2

Standards

It is recommended that you notify the relevant authorities if you are storing certain amounts and/or types of fertiliser.

How you will be measured

PR.EC.3.2.a

Sites storing more than 150 tonnes of fertilisers which contain Ammonium Nitrate, where the Nitrogen content is greater than 15.75%, notify the Fire and Rescue Service.

PR.EC.3.2.b

If storing more than 25 tonnes in total of any fertilisers or other substances with an oxidiser warning sign on the bag or container you have notified both HSE and the Fire and Rescue Service.

PR.EC.4 Key

Standards

PPPs must be approved and appropriate for their intended use. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PR.EC.4.a

Manufacturer’s instructions are followed.

PR.EC.4.b

PPPs are approved for the intended use (including target crop where relevant) through a valid, on-label approval, Extension of Authorisation for a Minor Use (EAMU) or Emergency Approval.

PR.EC.4.c

Unapproved product is kept in a segregated area of the pesticide store, pending collection for disposal at the earliest opportunity; clearly marked with signs/labels stating that it must not be used.

PR.EC.4.d

The Defra Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products is adhered to and particular attention is given to: - environmental impact and residue levels - maximum permitted dose rates - any relevant risks if reduced dose rates are used - restrictions on repeated applications to a single crop - rotation of modes of action (where possible)

PR.EC.4.e

All deliveries of PPPs can be traced back to supplier through invoices or suitable alternative records.

PR.EC.4.f

Where applicable, farms comply with customer pesticide policies (added 1st July 2023)

Invoices

PR.EC.4.1

Standards

PPPs are mixed/handled in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PR.EC.4.1.a

Where used, measuring equipment is dedicated to this purpose, non-glass, clean and free of accumulated residues and numbering is sufficiently legible to enable accurate measurement.

PR.EC.4.1.b

Where used, weighing scales are dedicated to this purpose and are calibrated at least annually.

PR.EC.4.1.c

Any dedicated PPP filling areas are designed to effectively contain any drips or spills generated by filling of PPP application equipment.

PR.EC.4.1.d

Where a dedicated filling area is not in place, a suitable alternative provision is present to control this risk (e.g. a suitably functional drip tray and selection of filling locations distanced from water courses, boreholes/springs/wells).

PR.EC.4.1.e

Any alternative provisions used are managed appropriately to ensure they do not themselves present a risk of contamination to personnel or environment.

PPP store scale calibration record

PR.EC.5 Key

Standards

PPPs must be applied in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution.

How you will be measured

PR.EC.5.a

PPP application does not occur in areas of high pollution risk, as identified on farm map.

PR.EC.5.b

PPP application does not occur in unsuitable conditions e.g. when there is a risk of drift or where soil conditions are unsuitable e.g. waterlogged, flooded or snow-covered soil or where the soil has been frozen for more than 12 hours in the previous 24 hours.

PR.EC.5.c

Buffer zone requirements of the PPP being applied are complied with.

PR.EC.5.d

Local beekeepers are given 48 hours’ notice (unless otherwise agreed) of the intention to apply a PPP that is hazardous to bees, via direct contact/BeeConnected/equivalent.

PR.EC.5.e

Care is taken when applying near hedgerows, woodlands, wetlands, private homes or public places e.g. schools, parks, playground.

PR.EC.6 Key

Standards

PPP application must be undertaken by competent operators.

How you will be measured

PR.EC.6.a

NPTC Pesticide Application Certificates/Lantra Awards Level 2 Pesticides qualification.

PR.EC.6.b

National Register of Sprayer Operators (NRoSO) registration is held.
  • NPTC/Lantra certificates
  • NRoSO membership number and expiry date

PR.EC.7

Standards

All PPP application equipment must be maintained and tested. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PR.EC.7.a

Frequency of testing is carried out as follows: - Equipment = Boom sprayers over 3 metres and air blast sprayers/Granular nematicide applicator Testing frequency = Annual NSTS test - Equipment = Slug pelleter (including electric spinning disc and hydraulic/PTO fertiliser spreaders)/≤3m/granular herbicide applicator (boom type) Testing frequency = NSTS tested before the equipment is 5 years old and thereafter NSTS tested once every 6 years - Equipment = Handheld/knapsack sprayer Testing frequency = No testing required

PR.EC.7.b

Equipment calibration occurs between seasons of use, as a minimum.

PR.EC.7.c

Equipment used to apply granular PPPs is calibrated whenever there is a change of product.

PR.EC.7.d

All handheld applicators and knapsack sprayers must be checked on an annual basis and results recorded.
  • NSTS Certificates
  • Calibration records

PR.EC.7.1

Standards

PPPs must be transported in manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution.

How you will be measured

PR.EC.7.1.a

Transporting product through water/crossing watercourses is avoided wherever possible

PR.EC.7.1.b

Diluted PPPs: - valves which control the flow of the PPP to the spraying equipment are shut during transport unless constant agitation is specifically mentioned on the label - hoses, nozzles and other fittings are maintained in line with manufacturer’s instructions

PR.EC.7.1.c

Undiluted PPPs: - transported in a secure chest/cabinet/container

PR.EC.7.2 Key

Standards

Where Metaldehyde is used, it must be used in a manner that reduces the risk to water, birds and small mammals.

How you will be measured

PR.EC.7.2.a

Appropriate active per hectare has been used to avoid drainage and run-off.

PR.EC.7.2.b

No applications are made during heavy rain or when drains are flowing.

PR.EC.7.2.c

Consideration is given to the proximity of watercourses, as demonstrated on the farm map(s).

PR.EC.7.2.d

Consideration is given to the maximum permitted dose rate and maximum application rates.

Metaldehyde application records

PR.EC.7.3

Standards

Where granular nematicides are used, use must be in accordance with the Nematicide Stewardship Programme (NSP) Best Practice Protocol. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PR.EC.7.3.a

Staff applying granular nematicides hold a PA4 or PA4G certificate.

PR.EC.7.3.b

Staff applying granular nematicide complete ARTIS e-learning modules.

PR.EC.7.3.c

The applicator is checked prior to the start of the season and on each working day to ensure all pipework is correctly fitted, the hopper bungs are in place and the hopper lids are secure. When the applicator is in use, granules are monitored to check they are flowing correctly.

PR.EC.7.3.d

Applicators in potatoes are fitted with a device in the cab which allows the operator to shut off nematicide granule flow at least 3 meters from the end of each row.

PR.EC.7.3.e

Designated areas for filling hoppers in each field are used which can easily be checked for spillages. Spillages should be dealt with according to manufacturer’s recommendations and the NSP protocol to ensure no granules are left on the surface.

PR.EC.7.3.f

Treated fields are checked the next day (12-24 hours) after application for any adverse effects to wildlife as per the protocol outlined in the NSP Field Monitoring Guidance.
  • PA4 /PA4G certificate
  • ARTIS e-learning certificate
  • Applicator check record (pre-season and on day of operation)
  • Post-application field check record

PR.EC.7.4

Standards

Anyone making recommendations on PPP use must be on the BASIS Professional Register. (Revised)

Name and BASIS professional register number

PR.EC.7.5

Standards

Surplus spray mix must be dealt with in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution.

How you will be measured

PR.EC.7.5.a

Surplus spray mix is sprayed onto designated areas (e.g. crop left specifically for the purpose) and the maximum rate is not exceeded, or securely stored pending collection by a registered waste contractor.

PR.EC.7.5.b

Tank washings and rinsates are treated in a biobed or biofilter under a registered waste exemption or disposed directly to the ground in accordance with an appropriate permit.

Exemption/permit

PR.EC.7.6

Standards

It is recommended that records of disposal of surplus spray mix are kept.

Disposal of surplus spray mix records

PR.EC.7.7

Standards

It is recommended that PPP application equipment is stored in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination or pollution.

How you will be measured

PR.EC.7.7.a

Equipment is stored in a safe, dedicated area and – where this is within a building – the area is well-ventilated.

PR.EC.7.7.b

Application equipment is regularly cleaned down.

Cleaning records

PR.EC.7.8

Standards

It is recommended that records of PPP application instructions/ agronomist recommendations are kept.

PPP instruction records

PR.EC.8

Standards

Records must be kept of all PPP applications. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PR.EC.8.a

Records are kept of all PPP applications, including PPPs used to treat seed, rootstock and young plants, in-field PPPs, pre-harvest crop store PPPs and post-harvest PPPs.

PR.EC.8.b

Records include: - field/store identifier for post-harvest treatments - crop/variety - sowing or planting date - date and time applied - justification/target for application - product name and active ingredient - rate of application - water volume - wind direction and speed - harvest interval - first permissible harvest date - name of sprayer operator

PR.EC.8.c

Records are kept for at least 3 years.

PPP application records

PR.EC.8.1 Key

Standards

Systems must be in place to ensure statutory harvest intervals for PPPs are complied with.

Harvest records

PR.EC.8.2

Standards

Records must be held for any bought-in seed, rootstock or young plants that have been treated with PPPs.

Treatment records or suitable alternative

PR.EC.8.3

Standards

Records are kept of the introduction of biological control agents. (New)

Biological control introduction records

PR.EC.8.4

Standards

EC.18.4)
It is recommended that where professional guidance on the use of biological controls is provided by an agronomist or another party (e.g. supplier), this guidance is followed and documented records are retained. (New)

Recommendations for use of biological controls

PR.EC.9 Key

Standards

Manufactured fertilisers and organic manures must be applied in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PR.EC.9.a

Any materials, including waste materials, that are applied to land should have agricultural benefit.

PR.EC.9.b

Exemptions/permits to use waste materials are held.

PR.EC.9.c

A Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) is established and implemented.

PR.EC.9.d

NMP includes the following: - timing, frequency and quantity of applications - identification of any areas where particular applications cannot be made - nutrient content of organic manures and fertilisers - plans to minimise nutrient loss

PR.EC.9.e

Before application, the following factors are considered: - NVZ restrictions - soil type - soil condition - results of soil testing - crop requirements - slope - weather conditions - the location of watercourses - water supplies and abstraction points (including on n neighbouring land) - location of field margins/hedges/other areas where applications should not be made - application machinery travelling conditions

PR.EC.9.f

Applications are not carried out during high risk times e.g. on waterlogged, flooded or snow-covered soil or where the soil has been frozen for more than 12 hours in the previous 24 hours.

PR.EC.9.g

Biosolids are assured under the Biosolids Assurance Scheme.

PR.EC.9.h

Untreated sewage sludge, untreated abattoir or catering derived animal by-products are not applied.

PR.EC.9.i

Applications are made in accordance with Appendix.

PR.EC.9.j

Applications of fertilisers and organic manures are planned to meet but not exceed soil and crop nutrient needs.
  • Exemptions/permits
  • Nutrient Management Plan

PR.EC.9.1

Standards

Anyone making recommendations on manufactured fertiliser use must be on the FACTS Professional Register. (Revised)

Name and FACTS professional register number

PR.EC.9.2

Standards

Fertiliser rates must be based on a calculation of the nutrient requirements of the crop and on regular analysis of nutrient levels in soil, plant or nutrient solution.

How you will be measured

PR.EC.9.2.a

Proper account is taken of nutrient content of organic manure.

Analysis results or standard analysis (e.g. RB209)

PR.EC.9.3

Standards

The supply and timing of nutrient application must be matched to meet crop demand.

How you will be measured

PR.EC.9.3.a

Non-target areas are protected from run-off and leaching.

PR.EC.9.4

Standards

Documentary evidence detailing the chemical content (N, P, K) of all purchased, manufactured fertiliser must be retained.

Invoices/delivery records/data sheets

PR.EC.9.5

Standards

Documentary evidence must be kept which demonstrates that manufactured fertiliser is responsibly sourced and traceable, e.g. from a Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS) approved supplier. (New)

Invoices/delivery records

PR.EC.9.6

Standards

Records are kept of all recommendations for fertiliser and soil improvement products. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PR.EC.9.6.a

Recommendations for fertiliser and soil improvement products are documented and retained.

PR.EC.9.6.b

Recommendations are sufficiently comprehensive to support rational and responsible use. Examples of data fields that may be relevant: - name of person making recommendation - date of recommendation - reason for recommendation - application method - crop - location/area - type of fertiliser or soil amendment - application rate - specific precautions

Fertiliser application instructions/professional advisor recommendations

PR.EC.10

Standards

All manufactured fertiliser application equipment must be maintained and calibrated at least annually.

Calibration record

PR.EC.10.1

Standards

Records must be kept of all applications of manufactured fertilisers, organic manures and other soil amendments.

How you will be measured

PR.EC.10.1.a

Records include: - field identifier/location - date of application - product type - product quantity - method of application - name of operator or contractor

Manufactured fertiliser/organic manure application records

PR.EC.10.2 Key

Standards

All manufactured fertilisers, organic manures and other soil amendments are safe and suitable for use and are carried out in accordance with the Safe Applications to Land appendix. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PR.EC.10.2.a

All manufactured fertilisers, organic manures and other soil amendments used (including faeces from animal grazing) are considered within the Risk Assessment and within relevant Site Risk Assessments.

PR.EC.10.2.b

All applications to land (including faeces from animal grazing) are in accordance with the Safe Applications to Land appendix and any relevant withholding periods have been adhered to.

PR.EC.10.2.c

Where crop residues are composted and used as a soil conditioner, there is no identifiable risk of disease carry-over.

PR.EC.10.2.d

Category 0 and 1 only. All staff and contractors involved in applying manure-based products understand the microbiological risk they pose.
  • Risk Assessment
  • Site Risk Assessment

PR.EC.11 Key

Standards

All wastes which cannot be utilised are disposed of in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PR.EC.11.a

Wastes are disposed of by a registered waste carrier.

PR.EC.11.b

Wastes are not burnt, with the exception of vegetation and untreated wood.

PR.EC.11.c

Empty PPP containers are: - cleaned using an integrated pressure rinsing device, or triple rinsed appropriately and the rinsate returned to the spray tank - stored securely - not reused - returned to the supplier or where non-returnable, disposed of via a registered waste carrier

PR.EC.11.d

Redundant PPPs are disposed of via the supplier or a registered waste carrier.
  • Waste transfer notes
  • Waste Carrier name and registration number

PR.EC.12

Standards

Systems are in place to manage waste responsibly.

How you will be measured

PR.EC.12.a

Opportunities are considered for: - reducing the production of waste - re-using waste - recycling waste, plastics in particular

PR.EC.12.b

A Waste and Recycling Management Plan is documented and implemented.

Waste and Recycling Management Plan

PR.EC.13

Standards

Crop waste is managed responsibly to minimise risk to other crops. (New)

How you will be measured

PR.EC.13.a

Where disposal of crop waste presents a disease transfer risk, responsible management practices are documented and adopted. Examples of such practices include (but are not limited to) use of dedicated waste receptacles for plant and crop waste and management/removal of any haulm growth on field potato dumps.

PR.EC.13.b

Where crop residue in the field presents a physical contamination risk to other crops in the rotation, mitigation steps are documented and adopted. Examples of such practices include (but are not limited to) identifying post-harvest management practices to minimise the potential for regrowth and volunteers. This may present an elevated risk in certain situations – e.g. poisonous berries from potato regrowth that cannot be easily separated from vining peas.

Crop waste management controls

  • EC.1 – Potential pollutants include PPPs*, fertilisers – manufactured and organic, anaerobic digestate, fuel oil, empty containers, disinfectants, baits, noise, light, dark smoke**
    *PPPs are defined as any product with a MAPP number
    **The darker the smoke, the more polluting it tends to be. The Ringelmann chart is used to define dark smoke. The chart has 5 shades of grey with 0 being clear and 5 being black. Smoke is considered ‘dark’ if it is shade 2 or darker.
    For further info see: www.gov.uk/preventing-air-pollution/dark-smoke
    Watercourse includes, water courses (ditches, streams, rivers), ponds, lakes, reservoirs, canals, estuaries, coastline
    Organic manure includes livestock manures, sewage sludge/biosolids, compost, digestates, organic industrial waste
  • EC.1.1 – HSE guidance on storing pesticides for farmers and other professional users: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ais16.pdf
  • EC.4 – A PPP is defined as any product with a current MAPP number
    Alternative records to connect PPP deliveries to the supplier – such as a delivery note – may be used; particularly where invoices for recent deliveries have not yet been received
  • EC.5 – BeeConnected website: beeconnected.org.uk 
  • EC.6 – PPP application operators also include those applying granular/ dust PPPs, post-harvest treatment or seed treatment
  • EC.7.2 – For information about the responsible use of metaldehyde, see: www.getpelletwise.co.uk
  • EC.7.3 – Nematicide Stewardship Programme: http://nspstewardship.co.uk
    The Nematicide Stewardship Programme (NSP) was founded in 2015 with a scope covering the use of cholinesterase inhibiting, granular nematicides – specifically: oxamyl (e.g. Vydate) and fosthiazate (e.g. Nemathorin). The NSP scope does not include liquid nematicides and non-cholinesterase inhibiting granular nematicides
  • EC.7.8 – Instructions/ recommendations may include:
    – name of person issuing instruction – date of instruction – reason for application
    – application method – crop and/ or variety – crop location
    – area treated – trade name – active ingredient
    – rate of application – volume of water – harvest interval
    – any applicable precautions
  • EC.8 – Records for seed treatments and treatment of rootstock and young plants concern inhouse treatments, not seed, rootstock or young plants purchased with a pre-applied treatment
  • EC.8.2 – Record keeping system in place to effectively identify active ingredients applied to seed, rootstock or young plants prior to purchase
  • EC.8.3 – Biological controls are defined as all products used for the purpose of plant protection which do not have/require a MAPP number. Examples include but are not limited to, plant extracts, pheromones and natural predators.
  • EC.9 – Possible examples of relevant inputs include but are not limited to: – Manure – Compost – Anaerobic digestate – Treated sewage sludge – Bio-stimulants – Plant strengtheners
    Nutrient Management Plan requirements can also be covered under a broader, overarching plan (e.g. Soil Management Plan or Land Management Plan) or an adjacent plan that covers these topics (e.g. Manure Management Plan).
    Tried & Tested Nutrient Management Plan: www.nutrientmanagement.org/2-nutrient-management-plan
    For guidance on fertiliser use, see the AHDB Fertiliser Manual RB209: www.ahdb.org.uk/projects/CropNutrition.aspx
  • EC.11 – In order to transport your own waste you must be registered (free of charge) as a low tier waste carrier:
    https://www.gov.uk/register-renew-waste-carrier-broker-dealer-england