South African agriculture is undergoing significant regulatory changes concerning the use of agricultural remedies, particularly those classified as “restricted agricultural remedies”. These changes underscore the crucial role of the registered Pest Control Operator (PCO) in ensuring the safe and responsible management of pests while safeguarding human health and the environment. A PCO is defined by the Pest Control Operator Regulations 2011 under the Fertilizer, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act No. 36 of 1947. For many years, these regulations were not enforced due to the lack of definitions for “restricted agricultural remedies”. This changed in 2023 when the “Regulations relating to agricultural remedies” were published, defining a new class of restricted remedies which apply to PCOs.
Why are PCOs important in SA Agriculture?
PCOs are specialists who have obtained the relevant training and certification to confirm their knowledge and skillset in handling and applying “restricted agricultural remedies”—defined as PPPs that contain acute toxicity and thus pose significant risks resulting in serious health and/or environmental concerns.
PCOs and the SIZA Environmental Standard
Although the remedies applicable to PCOs were only recently defined in August 2023, the presiding legislation was published in 2011. The SIZA Environmental Standard was created based on existing legislation and applicable regulations, including the Fertilizer, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act No. 36 of 1947. Thus, the SIZA Environmental Standard directly speaks to the requirements of the relevant legislation.
Auditors will check several aspects of the management systems to ensure compliance with the SIZA Environmental Standard and the abovementioned PCO regulations, as detailed below:
- Evidence of a management policy including a commitment to comply with the Fertilizer, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stok Remedies Act No. 36 of 1947 and its regulations concerning restricted agricultural remedies.
- Evidence that plant protection products (PPPs), including restricted agricultural remedies, are appropriately selected and applied according to the label or competent authority with proof of qualification.
- It may include evidence of a registered PCO overseeing the application of restricted agricultural remedies.
- May include evidence justifying the election of each PPP application
- Evidence of training records to confirm the individuals handling PPPs or overseeing the application of PPPs have received adequate training, including sprayers and PCOs.
- Evidence of an integrated pest management (IPM) plan that aims to monitor and prevent pest infestation and prioritises biological controls over chemical PPPs.
- Evidence of recordkeeping of the site’s agrochemical storage and usage, with adherence to South African National Standards 10206.
Adherence to the above will result in a favourable SIZA Environmental audit outcome and ensure compliance with the relevant PCO regulations. It is possible that these requirements can differ between audits and the different standard requirements. If you have more questions, you can contact Matthew Guest at matthewg@siza.co.za.
