The Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive establishes a framework for European Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides
by setting minimum rules to reduce the risks to human health and the environment that are associated with pesticide use. It also promotes the use of integrated pest management. The Directive is designed to further enhance the high level of protection achieved through the entire regulatory system for pesticides.
Implementation of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive relies heavily on the training of the various people involved at all levels of the industry, including Professional Users i.e. any individual who applies professional use Plant Protection Products.
All Professional Users must be appropriately trained i.e. trained for the specific type of application equipment they will be using (e.g. boom sprayer, knapsack etc.).
The need for appropriate training must be viewed in the context of protecting both human health (operators, bystanders and consumers) and the environment and, in particular, maintaining the high quality of our water.