FACTS
FACTS is independent and non-statutory; it is 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.
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 training providers, please contact your preferred trainer for more information.
- The examination comprises a 75 min multiple choice paper followed by a 45 min scenario paper and a viva assessment.
- Professional standards and Scheme development are overseen by a Management Committee with representatives from a wide range of stakeholders including Defra and the fertiliser industry.
- Annual FACTS Membership costs, where newsletters are provided by email, are:
- £30.80 per year (payment by BACS, Direct Debit or card)
- £38.00+ VAT (payment by cheque)
Newsletters can be mailed as hardcopy instead of email for an additional £10 + VAT.
- Advisers passing the FACTS examination are automatically enrolled in Annual FACTS membership. This is a professional, technical back-up service, 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:
- Entry to an annually updated and accessible list of FACTS members for assurance schemes, Government departments, etc.
- 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. Other updates are issued ad hoc when there are important changes, eg in legislation, affecting advisers.
All advisers paying the appropriate fee 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
If you are a FACTS member with a username and password please login below.
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If you would like your login details emailed to you then please [
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If you are a FACTS member and would like access to the members library please [
click here].
FACTS
St Monica's House Business Centre
37-39 Windmill Lane
Ashbourne
Derbyshire
DE6 1EY
t. 01335 343945