Acetamaprid withdrawal

UKFCG has been made aware that Acetamaprid will be withdrawn in the near future.  The manufacturers can continue selling the product until June 2023 and are advising users to place orders as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any stock held can continue to be used until the end of June 2024.

UKFCG has contacted FSC UK to ascertain whether Cypermethrin can be used following withdrawal of Acetamaprid.  As soon as we have received a response we will communicate this to all members.  [Please note, Cypermethrin may face the same fate in the near future].

UKFCG has also made enquiries with ConFor, the following response has been received.

 

Future of Gazelle for Hylobius Control in Doubt

The pesticide regulator within HSE are shortly to issue an new approval notice for Gazelle SG, the insecticide which we currently use through an offlabel approval for the control of Hylobius. The new approval will exclude all forestry uses, except use on container grown plants under glass or polytunnels in the forest nursery. This is largely due to the results from standard analysis techniques of the active ingredient, acetamiprid, not meeting current environmental safety standards. A similar product, Insyst, will, however, continue to be used in oilrape, potatoes and sugar beet. The only other approved product for Hylobius control, Forester, based on cypermethrin is also predicted to be revoked in the near future, and is, in any case on the FSC Highly Restricted list, so unlikely to be permitted in certified forests. Once the revised approval is published, then growers will have 6 months to purchase the product, and a further 12 months in which to use it, so last use is likely to be in July 2024. Confor are in discussion with Forest Research, and the UK suppliers, Certis Belchim, to find ways of continuing use after the expiry date.

 

THE FOLLOWING RESPONSE WAS RECEIVED FROM FSC UK 

[PLEASE NOTE THE IMPORTANT CAVEATS, AND CYPERMETHRIN CAN NOT BE USED WHILE ACETAMAPRID IS STILL AVAILABLE].

Cypermethrin can in theory be used because, as you say, it is not prohibited. However, in Acetamiprid we had a viable less hazardous alternative, which would have made it extremely difficult to justify using Cypermethrin. If approval for Acetamiprid has been withdrawn, then an argument could be made that Cypermethrin is now the least hazardous viable control method – assuming that other chemical or non-chemical control methods are not viable in a particular situation.

 Do bear in mind that clause 4.12.9 of the FSC Pesticides Policy requires certificate holders to ‘Have programmes in place, according to SIR [scale, intensity and risk], to research, identify and test alternatives to replace FSC highly restricted HHPs and restricted HHPs with less hazardous alternatives. Programmes shall have clear actions, timelines, targets and resources allocated.’ So if Cypermethrin use can be justified on the basis of an absence of viable less hazardous alternatives (chemical or non-chemical), then certificate holders will need to show (in a manner proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk of their operations) that they are researching less hazardous alternatives (again, these could be chemical or non-chemical). This research may (and I would argue should) be carried out cooperatively, as per clause 4.13.2.

 That’s a long-winded way of saying that UKFCG’s understanding of the situation is correct, but I do think it’s important to flag the research requirement.

UKFCG is aware of a number of localised research projects, undertaken by members, regarding weevil control alternatives.  These have included weevil nets, collars and wax coatings.  If you have been involved in any of these, or other more recent, research projects – please let us know.  UKFCG can collate details of all projects on behalf of our members – this will be important evidence of efforts made as specified in the FSC UK response.

UKFCG urges all members to ensure that any use of pesticides is in full compliance with FSC and UKWAS requirements and conditions.  If you have any questions, please contact us for guidance. 

USE OF CYPERMETHRIN IS NOT PERMITTED WHILE ACETAMAPRID IS STILL AVAILABLE

 

FISA 807 Working Near Railways

A small number of members are known to have railway lines and infrastructure within forest boundaries. FISA Electricity and Utilities Working Group have prepared a brand new FISA Safety Guide 807, which covers the requirements for those that are involved in planning and undertaking work on trees in forests, woodland and other locations next to the railway infrastructure. The guide strongly emphasises the need for consultation with the rail operator.  Please note the guide also refers to situations where haulage routes cross under or over nearby railway lines – This affects a greater number of UKFCG members.

 

Update on First Aid provision – ALL FOREST WORKERS.

During a recent training course run by UKFCG for one of our management company members, the subject of first aid provision was subject of discussion.  This arose from recent HSE recommendations and a review of recent Non-Conformities raised by Soil Association on four other certificate holders.  As a result of the discussions, UKFCG has prepared a Briefing Note on the subject which is attached as a separate document with this newsletter.

THE BRIEFING NOTE IS ESSENTIAL READING

  • ADVISING ALL UKFCG MEMBERS OF CURRENT HSE AND FISA GUIDANCE
  • CONFIRMS AUDIT PROTOCOLS ON THE SUBJECT OF FIRST AID
  • RE-AFFIRMS FIRST AID TRAINING AND REFRESHER REQUIREMENTS
  • COULD BE LIFE SAVING!!

 

Annual report reminder

Please contact UKFCG if you need assistance or have any queries regarding completion of the up-dated annual report spreadsheet which was circulated in early January.

With many thanks to those who have already returned the reports, however, we have identified a potential difficulty which might affect some members.

We asked for reports to be returned by the end of January.  For sites which were actively harvesting in December, we are aware that records of despatches for December may not be available until the end of January.  No problem – please take a little longer to collate the data FSC is asking for, and return the figures including everything up to the end of December when all the records are to hand.

 

Wildfires response training

The number and severity of wildfires is increasing around the world but also here in the UK, as we saw in the hot, dry summer of 2022. This 2-hour course aims to raise the awareness of wildfires, how they develop, how the fire spreads and how meteorological factors play a part. This course is run in partnership with the Forestry Commission and Imperial College and is primarily for those organisations who need to directly respond to wildfires, including Land Managers.

Bookings here: 28 February 19 April 22 May

 

Brash Recovery – guidance for FMO qualifications

The increase in brash recovery operations on certified sites has lead UKFCG to research the range of qualifications relevant to the machinery we see involved in brash recovery operations.  Here is a summary:

City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Forest Machine Operations – Processing Timber (mobile) 

  • Unit 219 Prepare and Operate Machinery to Process Timber
  • Unit 208 Base Machine, is a prerequisite to Unit 219 

Unit 219 can be taken for use involving the following Endorsements:

  • Chipper
  • Tub Grinder
  • Brash Balers
  • Splitters
  • Stump Grinder

However, we believe, the assessment can only endorse a maximum of 2 of the above per assessment session, which is then itemised on the certificate.

There is potentially a further qualification (which can be run as a joint award with Unit 219), which is City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Forest Machine Operations – Static Loader. Unit 218 Prepare and Operate a Loader. 

Please note: Brash Recovery Operations often take place separately from harvesting contracts.  It is important that forest managers ensure the suite of documentation associated with harvesting also covers the brash recovery contract, or a separate suite of documents will be required.   Verification of certification requirements during audits will include, [for brash recovery], work instruction, risk assessment, emergency plan, evidence of training including first aid, insurance.

 

Welcome to new members who have recently joined UKFCG

Forest Direct RMU, Machrie