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INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

Version 5.0

Click to view all INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

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:

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

PR.IM.1

Standards

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) must be in place to proactively manage crop production.

How you will be measured

PR.IM.1.a

An IPM Plan is documented and followed.

PR.IM.1.b

The IPM Plan is discussed with relevant staff, advisers and contractors.

PR.IM.1.c

The IPM Plan covers all areas of good agricultural practice with an emphasis on optimising the use of PPPs and improved protection of the environment.

IPM Plan

PR.IM.2

Standards

Regular crop inspections must be undertaken and recorded.

How you will be measured

PR.IM.2.a

Documented crop inspection records are available. These may be electronic or handwritten.

Crop inspection records/diary notes

PR.IM.3

Standards

Relevant pests, diseases and weeds must be monitored regularly and recorded.

How you will be measured

PR.IM.3.a

Recording is carried out directly or through participation in a relevant prediction programme.

PR.IM.3.b

Documented thresholds with corresponding technical options are used where applicable, to ensure any reactive application of PPPs is evidence based.

Records of pests, diseases and weeds on-farm

PR.IM.4

Standards

Plans must be in place to minimise the use of PPPs without compromising product quality.

How you will be measured

PR.IM.4.a

There is documented or demonstrable evidence that strategies are present to reduce PPP use.

PR.IM.5

Standards

A sample of each crop must be tested for pesticide residues at least annually, unless an evidence-based justification for less frequent testing is present. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PR.IM.5.a

Testing is completed by a laboratory with accreditation for pesticide residue testing (issued either by UKAS or another ILAC signatory).

PR.IM.5.b

Samples are collected in accordance with a documented sampling procedure.

PR.IM.5.c

Pesticide residue test results are traceable to: - producer - production site - batch - date of harvest

PR.IM.5.d

A multi-residue screen is completed unless a clear justification is present for an alternative testing suite.

PR.IM.5.e

Investigation and appropriate follow up actions are taken in response to any MRL exceedance (including use of contingency plan where needed).

PR.IM.5.f

A means of checking applicable MRLs for country of production and market of sale (if different) is available.

PR.IM.5.g

Where crops are tested less than annually, a documented, risk-based justification is present and – as a minimum – consideration is given to the following points: - historical results are available and indicate a particularly low risk of MRL exceedance - crop management practices and PPP use presents a particularly low risk of MRL exceedance and has not substantially changed since the last available test was completed - consideration is given to risk of adventitious contamination routes (e.g. legacy contamination, spray drift) - an alternative testing frequency is defined, ensuring that testing is completed at least once every three years
  • Pesticide residue test results
  • Documented follow up actions (where appropriate)
  • Documented sampling procedure
  • Documented justification for reduced testing frequency or testing suite (where applicable)

PR.IM.6

Standards

Where maximum nitrate concentrations apply to crop commodities, the risk must be considered and appropriate testing regimes implemented. (New)

How you will be measured

PR.IM.6.a

Nitrate concentration is considered within the Risk Assessment.

PR.IM.6.b

Product testing requirements are defined and implemented.

PR.IM.6.c

Test results are compared with maximum permitted nitrate concentrations with documented evidence of follow up action if maximum concentration is exceeded.
  • Risk Assessment
  • Product testing for nitrates