A new exciting online tool has been launched by the Crop Protection Association (CPA) and Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) to provide training for garden retail staff on the safe use of garden plant protection products.

Developed by the HTA and CPA this cost effective, one hour long, e-learning course will increase the knowledge of garden retail staff when it comes to garden care chemicals. This will help them to provide good quality advice to customers and ensure that businesses comply with new legislation under the Sustainable Use Directive (SUD).

SUD legislation, which comes into force on 26 November 2015, requires that garden retailers* selling garden plant protection products have a sufficient number of trained and certified staff available at the time of sale to provide advice to customers on use, storage and disposal.

The e-learning course is interactive, visual and based on realistic scenarios that will enable staff to develop a good knowledge of garden plant protection products by understanding the label in relation to use, environmental safety, correct disposal and where to go for further information.

Gary Philpotts, Chair of the CPA Garden Group said: “This interactive course is an excellent way for garden retailers to ensure they meet the requirements of the SUD legislation and improve the service they offer to customers. After completing the course, garden retail staff will have excellent foundation knowledge that enables them to give confident, clear and accurate advice about how, where and when to use products and how to dispose of them safely.”

HTA Chief Executive Carol Paris comments: “This new e-learning course, whilst developed in order to meet legislative requirements, presents an invaluable opportunity for all garden retailers to ensure that their staff have a good understanding of garden plant protection products and are able to deliver sound and informed advice to customers.”

This course has been specifically developed for those involved in the sale of non-professional products and has been formally recognised by the Health and Safety Executive. The course has also been endorsed by Pershore College, part of Warwickshire College a specialist in horticultural education.

The course cost is £10 plus VAT per delegate, subsidised by CPA member companies, it includes an assessment and download of a personalised certificate once successfully passed. The course can be accessed via www.htalearning.org.uk