What is the difference between a GROWSAFE certificate and an Approved Handler Certificate?
There has been some confusion about the certificates you need in order to purchase and apply agrichemicals. You may have heard that you only need an Approved Handler certificate - this is not necessarily true.
While an Approved Handler certificate covers you under the HSNO Act to purchase agrichemicals, you may also require a GROWSAFE certificate to lawfully use the product.
The Resource Management Act is New Zealand's main piece of legislation setting out how we manage our environment. To help meet their requirements under the RMA, regional and district councils prepare plans for their area. These plans include rules on discharging agrichemicals onto land, air or water.
These requirements differ by region, but all plans specify that agrichemicals must be applied in accordance with the New Zealand Standard for the Management of Agrichemicals, also known as NZS8409. Most plans also specify that commercial users hold a GROWSAFE certificate. GROWSAFE training is based on NZS8409.
Although the Approved Handler and GROWSAFE certificates are issued through different processes, you gain both qualifications through the single GROWSAFE course along with the associated practical requirements.
In other words, if you successfully complete a GROWSAFE course and provide evidence of the required practical experience, you will gain an Approved Handler certificate as well as a GROWSAFE certificate. But it you choose to do an Approved Handler course outside GROWSAFE, you won't receive a GROWSAFE certificate.
Expiry of certificates
Both GROWSAFE Introductory Certificates and Approved Handler certificates expire every 5 years. It is important to renew both.
Book on a course
To book on a course or find a trainer in your area, click here.