GROWSAFE Introductory
The requirements for using agrichemicals today are complex, with an increasing number of legal requirements and obligations influencing how we handle and apply these products. There is also a real need to understand the risks in handling these products and to have the knowledge to ensure your own safety, and that of others.
The GROWSAFE training programme unravels these requirements and explains them factually and clearly, so that you can be confident that you have everything covered.
Who should do this course?
This course is for people who use and apply agrichemicals. This includes people working on farms, forests, orchards, vineyards and other industries where herbicides and pesticides are used.
Benefits of the course
On successful completion of a GROWSAFE course and associated practical requirements, you will be:
- certified to purchase and apply tracked agrichemicals
- certified to apply certain agrichemicals
- trained to apply agrichemicals in a safe, responsible and effective way with minimal adverse impact on human, environmental and animal health
- aware of your obligations under the Hazardous Substance and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO), the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997 (ACVM Act).
All regional plans specify that agrichemicals used in commerical operations such as farms, orchards, vineyards, forests, must be applied in accordance with NZS8409. Most plans also specify that users hold a GROWSAFE Introductory certificate or equivalent training.
CERTIFICATEs
On successful completion of this course and associated practical requirements, you will be awarded two certificates (click here to understand the difference between them):
- GROWSAFE Introductory certificate
- Approved Handler Test Certificate (restricted to nominated types of substances)
In addition you will gain two unit standards: 21563 and 21564.
Prerequisites
No previous qualifications is required.
Expiry of certificate and Renewal
A GROWSAFE Introductory Certificate is valid for 5 years, at which time it can be renewed. This is because laws, technology and best practice are constantly changing. While you can read and hear about these changes yourself, your customers and the regulators require evidence that you are up-to-date.
Renewal of your certificate must be done within 6 months of expiry of your certificate. This can be done by attending a half day face-to-face course or completing an online course and assessment.
If your certificate expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew online. Contact your local trainer to discuss renewal requirements.
Book on a course
To book on a course or find a trainer in your area, click here.
Course Cost
The cost of GROWSAFE courses is set by the trainer/provider delivering the course. Contact trainers in your area to find out what they charge.
As a guide, an Introductory course is around $350 - $480 + GST; and a renewal course is $250 - $350 + GST. This charge includes both GROWSAFE and Approved Handler certificate issue and training materials.