Industry Safe Spray Requirements
While many growers choose to get spray contractors to do their Hi-Cane application, the MSO (usually the grower but sometimes the orchard manager by agreement) must:
- Ensure spray plans are in place and that risk areas on their orchards like nearby houses, schools, livestock, other crops, waterways etc. are understood.
- Ensure the required signs are in place.
- Prevent spray from drifting off the orchard and take care around sensitive areas like paths and waterways.
- Make sure that spraying only takes place in the right conditions – ie no more than a breeze. Zespri’s GET team will be providing specific resources on the latest drift research and best practice to support growers and spray contractors this season.
- Notify neighbours at least 12 hours beforehand (the time period can vary by region and you can check requirements on Growsafe’s website) – this is critical. Make sure you have the right phone numbers for your neighbours so you can get in touch when planning your spraying.
- Make sure spray stays on the orchard. Spray applications must be made using AI nozzles and drift reducing adjuvants to minimize drift , and shelter will reduce drift leaving the orchard. Where shelter is poor, adjust spray practices or use no-spray buffer areas.
- Listen to your spray contractor – if they tell you the conditions aren’t right for spraying, wait until conditions are right.
Spray contractors are responsible for:
- Following the spray plan
- Meeting local government requirements including signage and drift management
- Making sure staff have the appropriate qualifications
If your spray contractor tells you the conditions aren’t right for spraying, wait for the right conditions. Remember the MSO and the spray contractor are both responsible for following the rules around Hi-Cane use.
For spray contractors: If the grower/MSO tells you the conditions aren’t right for spraying, wait for the right conditions. Remember the MSO and the spray contractor are both responsible for following the rules around HiCane use.
