Fresh Produce Standards
ENVIRONMENT Version 5.1
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Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)
Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification
New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to
Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before
Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard
Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.
Cropping Categories Fresh Produce
Category 0 - Those you can eat raw and have a significant risk or history of pathogen contamination
Category 1 - Those you can eat raw and which do not have a protective skin that is removed before eating; they may also have a significant risk or history of pathogen contamination.
Category 2 - Those you can eat raw and which either have protective skin or grow clear of the ground, or that have no history of pathogen contamination.
Category 3 - Those that the customer always cooks.
An up-to-date list of the crop categories can be found on the Red Tractor website.
PR.EC.1 Key
Potential pollutants must be stored in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution to crops, feedstuffs, animals, soils, groundwater and watercourses
How you will be measured
PR.EC.1.a
PR.EC.1.b
PR.EC.1.c
PR.EC.1.d
PR.EC.1.e
PR.EC.1.f
PR.EC.1.g
PR.EC.1.h
Pollution Prevention Management Plan
PR.EC.1.1 Key
The PPP store must be of a suitable design, construction and layout
How you will be measured
PR.EC.1.1.a
PR.EC.1.1.b
PR.EC.1.1.c
PR.EC.1.1.d
PR.EC.1.1.e
PR.EC.1.1.f
PR.EC.1.1.g
PR.EC.1.1.h
PR.EC.1.1.i
PR.EC.1.1.j
PR.EC.1.1.k
PR.EC.1.1.m
PR.EC.1.1.n
PR.EC.1.2
A list of stored PPPs must be available and updated on a minimum monthly basis
How you will be measured
PR.EC.1.2.a
PR.EC.1.2.b
PR.EC.1.2.c
List of stored PPPs
PR.EC.2
In the case of packaging breakages PPPs must be transferred to a suitable container
How you will be measured
PR.EC.2.a
PR.EC.2.b
PR.EC.3
Nitrogen based fertilisers must be stored in a way that minimises the risk of theft
How you will be measured
PR.EC.3.a
PR.EC.3.b
PR.EC.3.c
PR.EC.3.d
PR.EC.3.e
PR.EC.3.1
A list of stored manufactured fertiliser must be kept and updated regularly
Stored manufactured fertiliser list
PR.EC.3.2
It is recommended that you notify the relevant authorities if you are storing certain amounts and/or types of fertiliser
How you will be measured
PR.EC.3.2.b
PR.EC.3.2.a
PR.EC.4 Key
PPPs must be approved and appropriate for their intended use
How you will be measured
PR.EC.4.a
PR.EC.4.b
PR.EC.4.c
PR.EC.4.d
PR.EC.4.e
PR.EC.4.f
Invoices
PR.EC.4.1
PPPs are mixed/handled in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution
How you will be measured
PR.EC.4.1.a
PR.EC.4.1.b
PR.EC.4.1.c
PR.EC.4.1.d
PR.EC.4.1.e
PPP store scale calibration record
PR.EC.5 Key
PPPs must be applied in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution
How you will be measured
PR.EC.5.a
PR.EC.5.b
PR.EC.5.c
PR.EC.5.d
PR.EC.5.e
PR.EC.6 Key
PPP application must be undertaken by competent operators.
How you will be measured
PR.EC.6.a
PR.EC.6.b
- NPTC/Lantra certificates
- NRoSO membership number and expiry date
PR.EC.7
All PPP application equipment must be maintained and tested
How you will be measured
PR.EC.7.a
PR.EC.7.b
PR.EC.7.c
PR.EC.7.d
- NSTS Certificates
- Calibration records
PR.EC.7.1
PPPs must be transported in manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution
How you will be measured
PR.EC.7.1.a
PR.EC.7.1.b
PR.EC.7.1.c
PR.EC.7.3
Where granular nematicides are used, use must be in accordance with the Nematicide Stewardship Programme (NSP) Best Practice Protocol.
How you will be measured
PR.EC.7.3.a
PR.EC.7.3.b
PR.EC.7.3.c
PR.EC.7.3.d
PR.EC.7.3.e
PR.EC.7.3.f
- PA4 /PA4G certificate
– ARTIS e-learning certificate
– Applicator check record (pre-season and on day of operation)
– Post-application field check record
PR.EC.7.4
Anyone making recommendations on PPP use must be on the BASIS Professional Register.
Name and BASIS professional register number
PR.EC.7.5
Surplus spray mix must be dealt with in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution
How you will be measured
PR.EC.7.5.a
PR.EC.7.5.b
Exemption/permit
PR.EC.7.7
It is recommended that PPP application equipment is stored in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination or pollution
How you will be measured
PR.EC.7.7.a
PR.EC.7.7.b
Cleaning records
PR.EC.7.8
It is recommended that records of PPP application instructions/ agronomist recommendations are kept
PPP instruction records
PR.EC.8
Records must be kept of all applications of PPPs and any other substances applied to the crop
How you will be measured
PR.EC.8.a
PR.EC.8.b
PR.EC.8.c
PR.EC.8.d
PPP application records
Biological control introduction records
PR.EC.8.1 Key
Systems must be in place to ensure statutory harvest intervals for PPPs are complied with
Harvest records
PR.EC.8.2
Records must be held for any bought-in seed, rootstock or young plants that have been treated with PPPs.
Treatment records or suitable alternative
PR.EC.8.4
It is recommended that where professional guidance on the use of biological controls is provided by an agronomist or another party (e.g. supplier), this guidance is followed and documented records are retained
Recommendations for use of biological controls
PR.EC.9 Key
Manufactured fertilisers, organic manures and other soil amendments must be applied in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination or pollution
How you will be measured
PR.EC.9.a
PR.EC.9.b
PR.EC.9.c
PR.EC.9.d
PR.EC.9.e
PR.EC.9.f
PR.EC.9.g
PR.EC.9.h
PR.EC.9.i
PR.EC.9.j
- Exemptions / permits
- Nutrient Management Plan (or alternative records detailing required information)
- Justification for applications of fertilisers and organic manures (may be covered in NMP or in other records)
PR.EC.9.1
Anyone making recommendations on manufactured fertiliser use must be on the FACTS Professional Register.
Name and FACTS professional register number
PR.EC.9.2
Fertiliser rates must be based on a calculation of the nutrient requirements of the crop and on regular analysis of nutrient levels in soil, plant or nutrient solution and with consideration of nutrient content of any organic manure applications.
Analysis results or standard analysis (e.g. RB209)
PR.EC.9.4
Documentary evidence detailing the chemical content (N, P, K) of all purchased, manufactured fertiliser must be retained
Invoices/delivery records/data sheets
PR.EC.9.5
Documentary evidence must be kept which demonstrates that manufactured fertiliser is responsibly sourced and traceable, e.g. from a Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS) approved supplier
Invoices/delivery records
PR.EC.9.6
Records are kept of all recommendations for fertiliser and soil improvement products.
How you will be measured
PR.EC.9.6.a
PR.EC.9.6.b
Fertiliser application instructions/professional advisor recommendations
PR.EC.10
All manufactured fertiliser application equipment must be maintained and calibrated at least annually
Calibration record
PR.EC.10.1
Records must be kept of all applications of manufactured fertilisers, organic manures and other soil amendments.
How you will be measured
PR.EC.10.1.a
Manufactured fertiliser/organic manure application records
PR.EC.10.2 Key
All manufactured fertilisers, organic manures and other soil amendments are safe and suitable for use and are carried out in accordance with the Safe Applications to Land appendix.
How you will be measured
PR.EC.10.2.a
PR.EC.10.2.b
PR.EC.10.2.c
PR.EC.10.2.d
- Risk Assessment
– Site Risk Assessment
PR.EC.11 Key
All wastes which cannot be utilised are disposed of in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution
How you will be measured
PR.EC.11.a
PR.EC.11.b
PR.EC.11.c
PR.EC.11.d
- Waste transfer notes
- Waste carrier name and registration number
PR.EC.12
Systems are in place to manage waste responsibly (REVISED)
How you will be measured
PR.EC.12.a
PR.EC.12.b
PR.EC.12.c
Waste and Recycling Management Plan
PR.EC.13
Crop waste is managed responsibly to minimise risk to other crops.
How you will be measured
PR.EC.13.a
PR.EC.13.b
Crop waste management controls
- England – DEFRA/Protecting our Water, Soil & Air: www.gov.uk/government/publications/protecting-our-water-soil-and-air
- Northern Ireland – The Code of GoodAgricultural Practice (COGAP):
www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/code-good-agricultural-practice-cogap - Scotland – Agriculture and the environment/PEPFAA Code: www.gov.scot/policies/agriculture-and-the-environment/pepfaa
- Wales – Code of Good Agricultural Practice: https://gov.wales/code-good-agricultural-practice
- HSE guidance on storing pesticides for farmers and other professional users: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ais16.pdf
- For information on the importance of fertiliser security visit www.secureyourfertiliser.gov.uk
- Red Tractor Fresh Produce members receive access to the LIAISON website as a benefit of membership to enable easy access to on label and EAMU approval information and relevant MRLs – see: https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/liaison
- For further information of approvals of PPPs, see: www.pesticides.gov.uk
- Details of NSTS approved test centres can be found at: www.nsts.org.uk
- Template documents for operator checks are available on the NSTS website: https://www.nsts.org.uk/Documents-Links
- Nutrient Management Guide (RB209): https://ahdb.org.uk/nutrient-management-guide-rb209
- For more information about FIAS see: https://www.agindustries.org.uk/sectors/trade-assurance-schemes/fias-fertiliser-industry-assurance-scheme.html
- Public register of waste carriers, brokers and dealers (England):
https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers - Public register of waste carriers, brokers and dealers (Northern Ireland):
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/registered-waste-carriers-transporters - Public register of waste carriers, brokers and dealers (Scotland): https://www2.sepa.org.uk/wastecarriers
- Public register of waste carriers, brokers and dealers (Wales):
https://naturalresources.wales/permits-and-permissions/waste-carriers-brokers-and-dealers-public-register/?lang=en - Where surplus of crop is present which does not have a commercial outlet but is of a suitable standard to enter the supply chain, members may wish to consider surplus food redistribution options. Examples include: Company Shop Group: https://www.companyshopgroup.co.uk; FairShare: https://fareshare.org.uk
More Standards
Download Fresh Produce Standards Manual
Download Fresh Produce Standards Manual – Including GLOBALG.A.P Module
Download the changes to the Fresh Produce Standards from 1 February 2025
Download watercress protocol
Download hops protocol
Useful Documents
UK Crops grown and risk categories
Fresh Produce assessment structure
- EC.1 – Potential pollutants include PPPs*, fertilisers – manufactured and organic, anaerobic digestate, fuel oil, empty containers, disinfectants, baits, noise, light, dark smoke**
*PPPs are defined as any product with a MAPP number
**The darker the smoke, the more polluting it tends to be. The Ringelmann chart is used to define dark smoke. The chart has 5 shades of grey with 0 being clear and 5 being black. Smoke is considered ‘dark’ if it is shade 2 or darker.
For further info see: www.gov.uk/preventing-air-pollution/dark-smoke
Watercourse includes, water courses (ditches, streams, rivers), ponds, lakes, reservoirs, canals, estuaries, coastline
Organic manure includes livestock manures, sewage sludge/biosolids, compost, digestates, organic industrial waste - EC.1.1 – HSE guidance on storing pesticides for farmers and other professional users: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ais16.pdf
- EC.4 – A PPP is defined as any product with a current MAPP number
Alternative records to connect PPP deliveries to the supplier – such as a delivery note – may be used; particularly where invoices for recent deliveries have not yet been received - EC.5 – BeeConnected website: beeconnected.org.uk
- EC.6 – PPP application operators also include those applying granular/ dust PPPs, post-harvest treatment or seed treatment
- EC.7.2 – For information about the responsible use of metaldehyde, see: www.getpelletwise.co.uk
- EC.7.3 – Nematicide Stewardship Programme: http://nspstewardship.co.uk
The Nematicide Stewardship Programme (NSP) was founded in 2015 with a scope covering the use of cholinesterase inhibiting, granular nematicides – specifically: oxamyl (e.g. Vydate) and fosthiazate (e.g. Nemathorin). The NSP scope does not include liquid nematicides and non-cholinesterase inhibiting granular nematicides - EC.7.8 – Instructions/ recommendations may include:
– name of person issuing instruction – date of instruction – reason for application
– application method – crop and/ or variety – crop location
– area treated – trade name – active ingredient
– rate of application – volume of water – harvest interval
– any applicable precautions - EC.8 – Records for seed treatments and treatment of rootstock and young plants concern inhouse treatments, not seed, rootstock or young plants purchased with a pre-applied treatment
- EC.8.2 – Record keeping system in place to effectively identify active ingredients applied to seed, rootstock or young plants prior to purchase
- EC.8.3 – Biological controls are defined as all products used for the purpose of plant protection which do not have/require a MAPP number. Examples include but are not limited to, plant extracts, pheromones and natural predators.
- EC.9 – Possible examples of relevant inputs include but are not limited to: – Manure – Compost – Anaerobic digestate – Treated sewage sludge – Bio-stimulants – Plant strengtheners
Nutrient Management Plan requirements can also be covered under a broader, overarching plan (e.g. Soil Management Plan or Land Management Plan) or an adjacent plan that covers these topics (e.g. Manure Management Plan).
Tried & Tested Nutrient Management Plan: www.nutrientmanagement.org/2-nutrient-management-plan
For guidance on fertiliser use, see the AHDB Fertiliser Manual RB209: www.ahdb.org.uk/projects/CropNutrition.aspx - EC.11 – In order to transport your own waste you must be registered (free of charge) as a low tier waste carrier:
https://www.gov.uk/register-renew-waste-carrier-broker-dealer-england
