Setting the standards in crop nutrition – sound, up-to-date advice
Established in 1993 FACTS is the body responsible for both setting and maintaining standards of advice given by individuals on farm. Over time, the scheme has gained credibility within the industry as well as with other bodies such as farm assurance schemes, government regulators and environmental bodies.
There are some 2500 active FACTS Qualified Advisers throughout the UK.
Although a voluntary scheme, the growth of FACTS membership reflects how the agricultural industry recognises the importance and benefit of qualified advice to promote farming systems that optimise crop nutrition and protect the quality of soil, water, air and farm biodiversity.
Today, FACTS Qualified Advisers (FQAs) form a strong network across the UK, reflecting the industry’s commitment to continually improving nutrient resource management on farm.
Joining the FACTS annual scheme
Entry to FACTS is by written and oral examination, usually following a formal five-day training course. There is a small fee for membership of the annual scheme to enable the scheme to be self-funding. Membership fees are currently: for those receiving information by email: £33.00 + VAT (payment by BACS or Direct Debit) or £40.00 + VAT (payment by cheque). Newsletters can be provided as hardcopy instead of by email for an additional £10 + VAT.
Benefits of membership
- Certificate of basic competence in giving advice on nutrient use
- Eligibility to use the term ‘FACTS Qualified Adviser’
- Email and phone technical help-lines
- Quarterly newsletter covering technical issues related to nutrient use
- Technical workshops and seminars at discounted costs
- Access to the BASIS Professional Register
Website access
If you are a FACTS Qualified Adviser and do not yet have a username and password to access this website, please email ecopt@btinternet.com to request a voucher code. Please include your name, contact details and FACTS membership number. All other enquiries about accessing the website should be sent to info@adlib.ac.uk.