UFU against requirement changes to purchase rodenticide
A new second generation rodenticide is causing anxiety in the faming community.
Control of vermin on farms is important for public health and to ensure maximum production, but wildlife campaigners have argued that rodenticides are harming to the countryside.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) does not support the recent announcement from the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU), regarding changes to the requirements that must be met to purchase rodenticide.
These are scheduled to come into effect from January 2026.
The CCRU has campaign has grown in its momentum throughout the UK and maintain that by 2026, farmers will need to be fully trained and certified before they can use rodenticides.
80% of barn own carry traces of rodent poisons says the CCRU, and maintain a stewardship certificate is essential to protect wildlife under increasing pressure.
UFU deputy president William Irvine said: “The new requirements from CRRU will mean that all users of professional-grade rodenticides will need an approved training certificate in rodenticide use from January 2026.
“This will prevent farmers and growers from purchasing rodenticide through their Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (FQAS) membership which is currently accepted as proof-of-competence.
“Farmers and growers understand the impact rodenticides could have on wildlife if it is not used responsibly, and through their participation in FQAS, they minimise the impact of rodenticide on wildlife.
“However, these new changes will affect farmers and growers’ ability to manage their own pest control and will create another cost for the farm business when finances are already under pressure.”
From January 2026 farmers and growers will have to provide proof of competence by completing a CRRU-approved training certificate every five years or completing a CRRU-approved training certificate once and be a member of a CRRU-approved CPD scheme.
“Changing the requirements to purchase rodenticide is a significant shift from the criteria that is in place currently and it’s extremely worrying that it’s being progressed by CRRU without any consultation with stakeholders.
“We ask that the CRRU complete a full consultation before progressing with the proposed changes for January 2026,” said Mr Irvine.
For many farmers, this will be seen as an intrusion into their way of life and economic livelihood.
