About
ChemCert WA - relevant, practical training for pesticide users
ChemCert WA delivers one of the rural sector’s most successful
programmes. Courses are well accepted by growers and other
chemical users because they are:
- Practical and relevant
- Affordable
- Accessible - offered in your local rural centre
- Trainers are knowledgeable and experienced
- Course content is regularly updated
- New courses are introduced to meet market requirements
- Current ChemCert accreditation is required for producer
QA programmes
ChemCert WA’s
training courses prepare growers to understand and operate
in markets characterised by increasingly higher standards and
expectations. The programme makes significant contributions to
the marketing of produce, the protection of the environment, the
safety of producers, farm families and their workers, and the
continuing sustainable development of Western Australian
agricultural, horticultural and viticultural industries.
Training takes a risk management approach to the selection,
handling, applying and disposal of agricultural and veterinary
chemicals and the courses are a crucial first step in ensuring
WA’s producers maintain their position as world-class providers
of “clean, green” food and natural fibre. ChemCert training is
required for producer quality assurance programmes.
The programme also caters to chemical users in non-farming
environments such as bushland management, those spraying in
sensitive wetlands areas and workers involved in weeds spraying
tasks around the city and in rural and remote areas.
Courses are delivered by accredited
trainers who have a sound knowledge of chemicals in
agriculture and are experienced, practical people.
ChemCert WA, through a Registered Training Organisation,
awards a nationally-recognised certification of competency in
the management and use of agricultural and veterinary
chemicals.
Training and assessment conforms with the requirements of
the
Australian Quality Training Framework, Australia’s
nationally consistent, vocational education and training system.
National Training Programme
ChemCert WA Incorporated is part of a national organisation
established in the early 1990s by the
National Farmers’
Federation (NFF) and the
Rural Training Council of
Australia (RTCA) to develop and coordinate training to raise
competency levels of users of agricultural and veterinary
chemicals.
ChemCert courses are important for rural workforce, Australian
consumers, overseas trade and the environment because they:
-
Develop a
skilled rural workforce and promote job satisfaction
-
Show that
growers of food and fibre are taking a responsible attitude
towards chemicals and maintaining a safe working environment
-
Maintain
Australia’s reputation for clean, green produce free of
pesticide residues in relation to export and domestic markets
-
Improve
knowledge of safety issues and so reduces liability for workers
-
Protect the
environment by the correct choice, use and disposal of chemicals
-
Help ensure
sustainability of the land for food production.
ChemCert WA Board of Management
ChemCert WA is a non-profit, incorporated body which is
administered by a voluntary Board of Management. Board Members in
2007 are:
David Gray
AM (Chair)
Managing Director
of David Gray & Co Pty Ltd, chemical formulators and
distributors. Past President of Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry,
Canberra and member of various national and state commercial
boards and government committees
David Anderson
Managing Director, Western
Potatoes
Colin Butcher (Vice Chair)
Brookton farmer
Bill Cleland
Farmer from Beverley
representing Pastoralists & Graziers Association
John
Cole
Experienced in plant protection products, currently
agricultural consultant and
vineyard operator
Geoff Fawcett (Treasurer)
Fruit grower from Serpentine and representing the WA Fruit Growers
Tony Gooch
Representing WA Farmers
Peter Rutherford
Principal Policy Officer (Legislation), Regulatory Support Unit, Department of Health WA
June Saint
Rural Financial Counsellor with Rural Financial Counselling
Services of WA in Nungarin
Janis Hadley (ex officio) Executive Manager
A background in journalism and close involvement with course
development
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