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DARD Management Notes for Horticulture
- 24 April 2013
The Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive and Renewable Heat Premium Payment Scheme Does your business use heat to grow crops in protected crop structures? If the answer is yes, the Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which was launched in November 2012, may be of interest to you. The RHI is a Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) scheme providing financial support to businesses generating heat from renewable sources and producers of biomethane.
The main objective of the scheme for Northern Ireland is to increase the uptake of renewable heat to 10 percent by 2020. In addition to achieving this target, it is expected the RHI will have a number of other wider benefits in terms of fuel security, lower emissions and 'green jobs'.
Payments will be made on a quarterly basis by the scheme's administrator, Ofgem. Payments will be calculated by multiplying the actual metered heat output of the technology over that quarter with the designated tariff.
If you own eligible equipment commissioned on or after 1 September 2010 you will be able to avail of the RHI. However, a suitable heat meter must be installed in commercial premises.
Further information on the scheme and details of the available tariffs can be found at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/energywise
Meeting legal requirements - Safe Use of Pesticides (FEPA)
Any operator born after 31 December 1964 or any operator who does contract spraying must receive training and hold a Certificate of Competence before handling crop protection products or undertaking spraying work. If you supervise others carrying out spraying work you also require a Certificate of Competence.
City & Guilds is the awarding body and your certification starts with the PA1 foundation module 'Safe Handling of Chemicals'. This is followed by practical application modules PA2 for 'Tractor Mounted Application' or PA3 'Broadcast Orchard Sprayer'.
CAFRE is currently recruiting for PA3 'Broadcast Orchard Sprayer' and PA4 'Pesticide Slug Pellet Applicator' training programmes.
Module PA3 'Broadcast Orchard Sprayer'
On completion of this module you will be able to:-
1. Prepare the sprayer for work, calibrate and operate it to ensure correct application rates without risk to yourself, other people and the environment.
2. Use the information detailed on product labels to determine the approved uses for the product and its potential hazards to human safety, non-target areas and the environment in general.
3. Carry out daily routine maintenance on the sprayer.
4. Carry out the correct procedure for cleaning personal protective equipment and application equipment which may have been contaminated with pesticide.
Module PA4 'Pesticide Slug Pellet Applicator'
On completion of this module you will be able to:-
1. Prepare a pesticide slug pellet applicator for work, calibrate and operate it to ensure correct application rate without risk to yourself, other people and the environment.
2. Use the information detailed on product labels to determine the approved uses for the product and its potential hazards to human safety, non-target areas and the environment in general.
3. Carry out daily and routine maintenance of the applicator.
4. Carry out the correct procedure for cleaning personal protective equipment and application equipment which may have been contaminated with pesticide.
Pre-requisites
The foundation unit (PA1) is required by candidates before being assessed for these application units.
Source: Farming Life - DARD Management Notes for Horticulture
