Agricultural chemical controls (FOI)

Request

A

Can you please supply a list of all the chemicals currently approved for use in any form in any area of agriculture.

B

Please list those that are subject to controls either in relation to food production or water catchment.

C

Are dosage limits set by the States or adopted from other jurisdictions.

Response

A

Plant Protection Products (PPPs) approved for use in the Island are those approved by the Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) which is part of the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This list is subject to frequent and numerous revisions and the current register of approved PPP’s is available at the following link:

Pesticides Register Database

Plant Protection Products

Plant protection products (PPP’s) is the correct term for pesticides as set out by the EU and used in EU Directives and Regulations and therefore adopted by Member States.

All products approved for use in the UK are also approved for use in Jersey with exception of the one detailed below.

Cuprokylt – (copper oxychloride) this was given temporary ‘emergency’ authorisation in the UK in 2017 and 2018. This was also given temporary authorisation in Jersey beginning 1 March 2019. This authorisation is due to terminate on 31 December 2019.

Cuprokylt is a fungicide used on tomato and potato crops. It has been used in Jersey for many years for the control of late blight in organically grown tomato and Jersey Royal potato crops. The full approval status for use on tomato and potato crops was withdrawn in the UK for commercial reasons. However there are no alternative fungicides available for organic growers on the island with which to control late blight. The use of copper-based fungicides is endorsed by the U.K. Soil Association.

The Ministerial Decision and accompanying report can be viewed on the Government of Jersey Website at the following link:

MD-PE- 2019-0034

Other chemicals used in agriculture:

The other main chemicals used by agriculture are:

Fertilisers

There is no island legislation that covers fertilisers and hence no approval process or list of approved products. To conform with good agricultural practice, farmers are expected to follow guidelines set out in publications such as RB209 or as detailed in protocols such as those produced by Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) Marque Certification.

Biocides and sterilants and feed and silage additives

There is no island legislation that covers these and hence the Government of Jersey does not hold this information.

Veterinary medicines

Veterinary medicines that are authorised for use in the UK can be used in Jersey. These are regulated under the Medicines (Jersey) Law 1995.

Medicines (Jersey) Law 1995

Authorised medicines are listed at the following link:

Veterinary Medicines Directorate

Dosage limits are set within the authorisation as listed in the product data sheet. Authorisation is a rigorous process and the appropriate dosage requirements must be demonstrated to the Veterinary Medicines Agency who consider many criteria including safety for the animal, efficacy in achieving its veterinary purpose and the potential for residual contamination of food products.

Poisons for the control of vermin

The sale and supply of substances designated as poisons is currently regulated by the Poisons (Jersey) Law 2012 and its subordinate Orders. The Part 1 listed Poison aluminium phosphide is produced for commercial use for controlling rabbits, moles and rats. This product may only be sold to competent persons who are listed as holding a valid national qualification. Training and associated updating in the use of this poison is facilitated by Officers of Growth Housing and Environment.

B

All PPPs are subject to controls in relation to food production and environmental impacts.

C

Dosage Limits (known as maximum application rates) are set by the national bodies of EU member states that approve each PPP in line with the current EU approval process. These are adopted in Jersey.