THE rules are changing when it comes to buying rodenticides.

After September 30, farmers must be able to demonstrate compliance with the UK Rodenticide Stewardship requirements before they are allowed to buy and use bait rodenticides.

To help the industry cope with this change, AHDB will be running two web-based seminars next month, which will explain to arable farmers what they need to do.

Under this new regime, there are four ways to continue using rodenticides on-farm:

• Do the training and obtain an approved user certificate yourself;

• Demonstrate membership of a CRRU approved farm assurance scheme such as Red Tractor or RSPCA Assured (a concession that stands until 2017);

• Employ the services of a professional pest controller;

• Buy smaller packs (less than 1.5kg) – although these have the same active ingredient, they are classed as amateur products.

For more information, take part in the AHDB webinars on Wednesday, September 14 , between 7-8pm and Thursday, September 15, 7-8pm. Farmers can register now, or watch the recording afterwards, at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/1052173630663737857