Pesticide Usage Survey

  • Fera is commissioned to conduct agricultural, horticultural and amenity pesticide usage surveys by the Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD) of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The surveys are funded from the pesticides charge on industry turnover.
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Pesticide Usage Survey

Pesticides and biocides are carefully assessed by HSE or CRD prior to approval under the Plant Protection Products regulations and the Biocidal Products regulations.


Our services
  • Access to a vast database on pesticide usage since 1965.
  • Use data services to support your risk analysis.
  • Scientific expertise to extract and interpret data.
  • Refine your products and identify opportunities.

The survey team collects usage data on arable, soft fruit, orchards, vegetable and protected edible crops biennially, and on grassland and fodder crops every four years. The reports detail pesticide usage on each crop in terms of weight, area and percentage treated with specific active substances. It surveys the use of conventional pesticides, adjuvants, bio-pesticides and living bio-control organisms and collects information relating to;

  • Products, dates, rates and methods of application
  • Water volumes and tank mixing
  • Use of crop covers (selected surveys)
  • Use of growing media (selected surveys)
  • Use of pollinators (selected surveys)



Interpreting 'big data' to support your business

With access to this extensive data set, our scientists can provide you with a range of services and reports to help you understand changing use, identify opportunities and support your ongoing risk assessments.

The services we provide using this data can help you to:

Analyse risks and trends

Predictive analytics, using the ‘big data’ from the surveys, allows you to scan and analyse information on the latest developments in your industry, its environment and trends in use.

Redevelop your products

Analysis of the data can help you to understand where and how your products are being used, what proportion of the overall market they account for and how this has changed over time.

Create new revenue streams

The insights gained from analysing your market and its competitors can help you to understand trends and identify potential opportunities.


Insights from 50 years of historical data

  • 'Following the introduction of pyrethroids in the early 1980’s the use of insecticides on UK arable crops increased from approximately 1 million treated hectares in 1982 to over 4 million hectares in 1990’
  • 'The main organophosphate used on orchards has been Chlorpyrifos, however, its approval has recently been lost (2016). Will its loss result in an increase in the use of pyrethroids?'
  • 'The extensive use of pyrethroids in 1979/1983 on orchards - declined to a very low level in 1992' following concerns for beneficial, predatory mites'

For detailed requests, please complete the form below. 
Alternatively, for published reports and summary data please visit the PUSSTATS website here 

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