FACTS Northern Ireland - Basis

FACTS SCHEME - OBJECTIVES
The overall aim of the Scheme is to ensure a high standard of proficiency of all those giving fertiliser and
plant nutritional advice to end users, having due regard for the protection of the environment.
To achieve these objectives the Management Committee will:
a] develop and promote a certification scheme for those selling fertilisers to farmers and/or advising
on the use of nutrients;
b] establish and maintain a National Training Syllabus for those giving fertiliser and plant nutritional
advice;
c] identify and liaise with recognised training centres and those providing in-house training which
provide instruction on the National Training syllabus;
d] establish and monitor appropriate examination provision for trainees, whether trained by BASIS®-
Approved Trainers, by in-house training or by home-study;
e] approve a level of competence which candidates for certification should reach;
f] maintain a Register of those certificated as competent to advise on fertiliser and plant nutrition
products;
g] gradually raise the general level of competence of advice given by the fertiliser and plant nutrition
industry and others and keep under continuous review the standards of the Scheme, including the
status of exemption holders;
h] liaise closely with UK Government and the EU in order to have the registration scheme recognised
and accepted by both UK and other EU Governments.
5