Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme
The Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme, known as FACTS is independent and non-statutory and recognised by the fertiliser industry, Defra and the Environment Agency as a successful means of setting standards, training and maintaining the continuous professional development of those providing nutrient management advice.
Today, farmers and their advisers must combine the best possible economic performance with care for the wider environment. The requirements of, and opportunities presented by, changing legislation and regulations must be identified and acted upon. FACTS can play a leading role in ensuring best management of crop nutrients. For those interested in joining the FACTS scheme:
- A five day training programme provided by agricultural training colleges or private trainers culminates in the FACTS examination. Click here for BASIS approved list of trainers and Click here for syllabus and reading list.
- The costs of training are set by the training providers, please contact your preferred trainer for more information
- The examination fee is a maximum of £134 and comprises a 1 ½ hour written paper followed by a viva assessment. Examination questions and standards of examination are monitored and reviewed.
- Professional standards and Scheme development are overseen by a Management Committee representing a wide range of interested organisations
- FACTS Membership costs £23 per year (payment by BACS or Direct Debit) or £26 + VAT (payment by cheque) (plus £10 for a postal service instead of email)
- Advisers passing the FACTS examination are automatically enrolled in Annual FACTS membership. This is a professional technical back-up service for members, providing a quarterly bulletin keeping members abreast of technical and legislative matters, a supporting technical helpline and a targeted, topical programme of seminars and conferences.
- Qualified advisers are eligible for membership of the BASIS Professional Register which requires them to maintain an acceptable training record. The standard of training is measured by a Continuing Professional Development points system, points being gained by attendance at approved courses and similar events.
- FACTS is recognised by the fertiliser industry together with farm quality assurance schemes, Defra, The Environment Agency and organisations such as LEAF and FWAG.
- FACTS training is available to farmers and growers as well as advisers.
The Annual FACTS membership scheme requires all advisers gaining the FACTS qualification to renew their membership annually for their FACTS ID Card and entry onto a published list of Annual Scheme Members.
Benefits of membership of the Annual FACTS Scheme:
- Provides entry to an annually updated and accessible list of FACTS members for assurance schemes, Government departments, etc.
- Gives access to the technical information service via email/phone help-lines, quarterly newsletter and email messages
- Increases the authority of FACTS advisers and the credibility of the industry
- Strengthens the value of the FACTS qualification
- Helps those providing agricultural advice to demonstrate increasing commitment to responsible and safe practice
- Provides information on legislative changes and other developments for members to ensure responsible use of plant nutrients
- Promotes opportunities for further training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through the BASIS Professional Register
Members of the BASIS Professional Register are entitled to claim 12 CPD points if they are members of Annual FACTS.
Fertiliser Updates
The quarterly newsletter Fertilizer Matters is primarily distributed by email, but can be sent by post for a fee to cover postage costs.
All advisers paying the appropriate fee will receive ongoing updates on technical news and legislation, together with information on further training opportunities. Email and telephone help-lines are available for technical enquiries.
FACTS Members
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FACTS
34 St John Street
Ashbourne
Derbyshire
DE6 1GH
t. 01335 343945