Growers of so-called 'minor crops' should be aware of current changes to the approvals system that previously gave farmers and growers access to a large number of pesticides by automatic extrapolation from approved uses within similar crop groups. These LTAEUs for edible crops (Long-term arrangements for the extension of use) are being phased out and replaced by SOLAs (Specific off-label approvals).
 
To help horticultural and agricultural producers of these 'minor crops' the HDC and HGCA have worked closely with the Pesticides Safety Directorate and the Central Science Laboratory and have produced a CD listing the first batch of 800 SOLAs. Further CDs will be issued to cover the full 2000+ SOLAs that will be released to industry.
 
"The previous LTAEU arrangements were unique to the UK. With increasing harmonisation of EU pesticide rules, in particular those relating to maximum residue levels, we have had to convert these approvals to SOLAs or lose the use of the active," commented HDCs Technical Manager, Vivian Powell. She continued, "These losses would have been catastrophic to growers of minor crops and we are delighted that, with the excellent help and work of PSD, we have been able to publish this first CD for growers."
 
The CD that has been released to industry contains an EXCEL spreadsheet of the products, actives and the crops that they can be applied to. These can then be found as WORD documents on the CD.
 
Growers of minor crops are reminded that they may only use pesticides under the SOLA scheme if they have a hard copy or direct electronic access to the actual SOLA. Growers should not rely on access being available through internet connections
 
PSD have advised that it is unlikely that the edible crops section of the LTAEU will be revoked during 2006 - or at least until the end of the year. Current LTAEU edible uses will continue until all SOLAs have been issued, and until PSD announces expiry date of existing LTAEU.
 
Copies of the first CD have been sent to all HDC Members as many of these 'minor crops' fall within horticulture. HGCA will send CDs to HGCA levy payers on request as relatively few growers produce minor arable crops, which include rye, triticale, durum wheat, soya and sunflower.
 
Growers and farmers can access the full SOLA database via the PSD website at: https://secure.pesticides.gov.uk/offlabels/search.asp

Further information:

Ross Newham, Horticultural Development Council (HDC), 01732 848383

Dr Clive Edwards, Home-Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA), 020 7520 3945