The Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD) of the HSE have appointed two new Grower Champions, to assist growers and their organisations.
What do the Grower Champions do?
Over recent years, the pesticides available for use on minor crops have come under increasing pressure from regulation. Growers have diversified from traditional crops to find new markets, so creating the need to find pesticide solutions for new crops.
To further help and assist growers and their organisations, the Chemicals Regulation Division has a specific contact point: a Grower Champion.
The Grower Champion is available to growers or any individual within the agricultural/horticultural/forestry/amenity industries wishing to find out more information about pesticide regulation and, in particular, minor uses.
The Grower Champion can help explain regulatory and minor use issues, help with submission and evaluation of minor use authorisations and provide representatives to meet you and your organisation to discuss minor use and off-label issues.
What is an Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use (EAMU)?
Under Article 51 of Regulation (EC) 1107/2009 both authorisation holders and growers or grower organisations can apply for an extension of use.
This is defined as an extension of authorisation for minor uses of existing authorised products. The extension can be given where the use is minor, is in the public interest and all safety aspects of the risk assessment can be satisfied. These extensions of authorisation for minor use are known informally as EAMUs and off-labels and have previously been known as SOLAs (specific off-label approvals).
Major UK crops are generally not eligible for Article 51 authorisations (refer to the crop definitions list for further details).