At some point during April to September, farmers will be asked for proof of competence and I/D when they buy rodenticides for use outside buildings. This cornerstone of Rodenticide Stewardship applies via all suppliers including internet.
An exact date when this first occurs cannot be specified due to phasing out old stock and introduction of stewardship-authorised products. During the April to September transition period, old stock can be purchased without certification and must be deployed during the use by period, while stewardship-labelled products will require certification.
Two certain dates are 30 September 2016 when old stock sales will cease, and the next day when proof of competence and I/D will be essential.
Guidelines are available for farmers at www.ahdb.org.uk/projects/RodentControlHub.aspx. A new Stewardship Q&A document has also just been published by CRRU, which can be downloaded from www.thinkwildlife.org.
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