In the UK operators must follow the guidelines in the DEFRA Code of Practice (pdf). Similar standards of safe practice must be achieved by producers in other countries and must meet local legislative requirements. Additionally, pesticides must only be used in strict compliance with manufacturers instructions especially in respect of dosage rates, minimum harvest intervals (harvest intervals must be extended wherever possible) and COSHH considerations. All spray operators must be PA1, PA2, PA4 and PA12 trained and be active members of NRoSO scheme , in the UK and operate to equivalent standards in other countries. Application of pesticides must be carefully recorded, such that presentation of a summary sheet is easily accessible and readable.

Ideally, such information should be presented via bespoke data packages e.g. Farmplan and Muddy Boots or via spreadsheets. Ahead of use for in Co-op Brand, a qualified agronomist, who is on the BASIS professional register or equivalent, should check pesticide application records of products as legal and appropriate for use. The use of a separate agronomist, e.g. one who works for the supplier not the grower, thus avoiding any conflicts of interest, to check records, acts as positive release to ensure that risk to Co-op Brand integrity is minimised.

All equipment used to apply pesticides must be regularly calibrated and serviced on an annual basis, with documentary evidence available on request. In the UK, this is administers via the NSTS. The equivalent should be applied in other countries. Developments in equipment and techniques must be considered, in an on-going effort to minimise the quantities of pesticides that are applied.

Pesticide use must be based on risk assessment, including the use of treatment thresholds, crop, pest and development models and regular crop and weather monitoring. Regular crop supervision in the form of crop walking, feeding data into crop development models and interpreting model output, using insect traps and soil sampling, can help to monitor crop development, pest and disease levels. Tolerance levels can then be used to determine when a control is necessary. It is also important to identify both pests and naturally occurring predators to determine whether it is necessary to apply control measures.

Due to the build up of resistance to typically site-specific chemistry that some pests and diseases are exhibiting, it is important to alternate the use of active ingredients, with different modes of action, to reduce the risk of developing resistance to any one chemical.

The most appropriate application techniques should be used to ensure effective treatment at optimal rates and minimal risk of drift. Avoid spraying, or allowing drift into conservation areas and wildlife corridors such as grassy banks, dyke sides, hedgerows etc., and any wildlife reservoirs. Also consider the implication of buffer zone restrictions on certain chemical uses. A documented protocol for the disposal of pesticide containers must be established and applied. (See waste)