SPRAYING
The Essex Beekeepers Association runs a very successful spray liaison scheme. This provides a single point of contact for farmers who are going to spray pesticides and need to advise the beekeepers in their area. Information on the pesicides in use can be found from the links below:
The Pesticides Safety Directorate which is based at York has a website:-
The directorate also has an information phone line 01904 455 755. The service team will give information on pesticides (i.e. safe use for bees) and more importantly information about mixes which farmers may be using.
The Voluntary Initiative also publishes information about insecticides and best practice to minimise their environmental impact in arable crops on their website:-
www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk
(This information is primarily aimed at farmers but may be of help to members contacted by a farmer who is going to use a spray).
Eileen Marrable (Spray and Disease)
01708 229441