The news follows an announcement by the CRRU (Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use) which said all users of professional-grade rodenticides will need an approved training certificate in rodenticide use from January 2026.
In order to continue to be able to purchase professional-grade rodenticides, the new requirements mean farmers and growers will only be able to provide proof-of-competence in one of the following two ways:
- Complete a CRRU-approved training certificate every five years.
- Complete a CRRU-approved training certificate once, and be a member of a CRRU-approved CPD scheme.
This change marks a significant shift away from the current situation where membership of a stewardship-approved farm assurance scheme is accepted as proof-of-competence.
CRRU must consult with farmers
NFU Vice President David Exwood said: "Farmers and growers need to tackle rodent pests on farm and they use control methods responsibly. This is demonstrated via membership of a number of FASs (Farm Assurance Schemes) where our members demonstrate knowledge, competence and stewardship across a vast array of farming practices.
“The decision by the CRRU to unilaterally introduce an additional certification requirement for the use of rodenticides on farm has been made without any formal consultation with farming unions, trade associations or FASs.
“Additionally, many stewardship actions are monitored and demonstrated through membership of FASs and it is concerning to see no mention of how the CRRU will continue to support the valuable role that these schemes play in the protection of the wider environment.
“We are calling on CRRU to consult with farmers, growers and their representatives to gain a thorough understanding of how the changes to proof-of-competence will impact on rodent control and the wider environment.”
NFU Vice President David Exwood
“We are calling on CRRU to consult with farmers, growers and their representatives to gain a thorough understanding of how the changes to proof-of-competence will impact on rodent control and the wider environment. The CRRU also needs to reassure farmers and growers that earned recognition will continue to play a part in proof-of-competence for the purchase of professional-grade rodenticides.”
The NFU continues to have conversations with the CRRU, FASs and farming unions to establish how these changes can work best for farmers, the environment and food production.
Find approved training courses
A list of CRRU-approved training courses can be found at: Thinkwildlife.org | CRRU Training & Certification
As of 1 January 2026, completion of one of these courses will be needed in order to buy professional strength rodenticides.
There are currently only two CRRU-approved CPD schemes, BASIS Prompt and BPCA Registered. As of 1 January 2026, unless you are a member of one of these two schemes, certification will need to be repeated every 5 years.
What is the CRRU?
The CRRU is a stewardship group which oversees rodenticide stewardship by farmers, gamekeepers and professional pest controllers, provides governance of the supply chain and monitors compliance with the regime, as well as environmental impacts.
In order to ensure high animal welfare and food safety standards, all users of professional-grade rodenticides must follow the CRRU Code of Best Practice to ensure effective rodent control whilst minimising environmental impacts.
