China, 09 May 2006
Safe-use trainers hone training skills
Use of protective equipment recommended as last line of defence

"Reading and understanding labels, maintaining sprayers, personal hygiene and exercising caution when handling products should be continuously and heavily promoted to farmers.” -Martin Gibson, Stewardship Director, CropLife Asia

Industry and government-based trainers in China learned practical ways to help farmers use pesticides safely and effectively. The 30 trainers attended a one-day seminar organised by CropLife China on 9 May 2006 in Guanghan, Sichuan Province.

Martin Gibson, Stewardship Director of CropLife Asia, designed and delivered the seminar to improve teaching and presentation skills of trainers working with farmers.

Observing that personal protective equipment (PPE) is often over recommended as the first line of defence in handling pesticides, Mr. Gibson emphasised that, "Reading and understanding labels, maintaining sprayers, personal hygiene and exercising caution when handling products should be continuously and heavily promoted to farmers. By getting these activities practised regularly, we reduce the reliance upon PPE as a defence mechanism."

To support the trainers, CropLife China produced and distributed the manual on Safe and Effective Use of Pesticides to all participants.

With the seminar and the manual behind them, the participants feel they are now well prepared to bring stewardship activities to farmers' fields.