European Training
Better Training for Safer Food (BTSF) – Pesticide Application Equipment
Training activity in different MS (Italy, Spain, Germany, Nederland, France) founded by CHAFEA (Consumer, Healt, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency of European Commission) and subsequently by HaDEA (European Health and Digital Executive Agency of European Commission). The main objective is training the staff of competent authorities and other stakeholders in order to keep them updated with the aspects of EU law in the area of inspection and calibration of pesticide application equipment (PAE), being able to achieve a harmonized, objective and adequate process in all Member States (MS). Additionaly it is intended to spread this activity among other countries outside EU, as relevant food suppliers to the EU. Specific objectives are:
Increase knowledge and awareness of EU regulations concerning inspection and calibration of pesticides application equipment (Sustainable Use Directive, Machine Directive, ISO standards for inspection of PAEs, ISO standards for new sprayer’s requirements, etc.) and sharing country’s experiences and knowledge;
Ensure a complete and better understanding on the field of inspections and calibrations of PAEs;
Provide main guidelines and clear procedures on important aspects of calibration and maintenance of PAEs;;
Promote uniformity and harmonization of inspection procedures along MS of UE and networking among participants and ensure a harmonized, practical and suitable training process for staff in charge of the organization of inspector’s training activities in Europe;
Demonstrate the benefits (technical, economic and environmental) of the inspection procedure together with a proper calibration method;
Keep participants updated with the latest developments in the spray application technologies;
TOPPS Water Protection courses ("Topps Academy").
Courses founded by ECPA (European association of crop protection industry) focused on intensive dissemination of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and the extension of TOPPS – BMPs to new countries partners of Topps Project (for more information see European Projects page). The foure editions (2015, 2016, 2018 and 2022) saw the participation of more than 90 technicians and trainers.