Farmers and PPPs distributors warned following thefts in agrochemical stores
19th February 2025
Ahead of the spring application season, farmers, growers and distributors of plant protection products have been urged to be vigilant against well-organised criminals seeking to raid secure storage facilities.
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) is warning farmers and growers to be wary if offered PPPs for sale from unknown or suspicious sources following break-ins at two distributor stores in Bedfordshire and Norfolk in recent weeks.
Thieves used tools to cut through fencing and buildings, gaining access to PPP storage units before stealing significant quantities of valuable products.
The UK’s agri-supply trade association said that crop protection and agronomy companies and farm businesses should be on high alert for the risk of further thefts in these areas as well as throughout the country, and also consider reviewing their security arrangements.
Purchase PPPs from reputable suppliers
AIC’s head of crop protection & agronomy, Hazel Doonan, said: “In light of these thefts, businesses which store professional plant protection products may wish to check that own their security measures are sufficiently robust.
“Farmers and growers are reminded to only purchase PPPs from reputable suppliers. A professional PPP supplier must employ a member of the BASIS professional register to give advice on professional PPP use.
“Using PPPs that are of unknown provenance can risk business reputation, the acceptance of end produce treated with the product, farm assurance status, and even prosecution.”
If you are suspicious of any products being offered for sale, contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) by emailing CRDEnforcement@hse.gov.uk immediately.
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