UA2: Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

What is UA2?

UA2 requires completion of an annual assessment of Plant Protection Products (PPPs) used and alternative methods employed to reduce chemical usage. Integrated Pest Management focuses on growing healthy crops with minimal ecosystem disruption, using the most appropriate pest, disease, and weed control methods including technology, non-chemical approaches, and targeted chemical use when required.

What do I need to do?

Assess your current approach to crop pest, weed and disease management
Identify opportunities for using additional IPM approaches
Record your assessment in an annual IPM Plan
Keep detailed records of each PPP application including:
Name of PPP used
Amount used
Date and time applied
Field/location and area treated (hectares)
Crop type treated and reason for treatment
Weather conditions at time of application
Complete IPM Plan and PPP records by end of calendar year

Who needs to complete UA2?

All farmers entering the scheme who use, or employ contractors to use, Plant Protection Products such as:

Insecticides
Herbicides
Fungicides (including seed dressings)
Molluscicides
Plant growth regulators

Even farmers using small amounts of PPPs annually must complete this action, though the assessment may be shorter and less detailed.

UA2 is not applicable if you do not use PPPs and do not intend to use them during the calendar year.

What evidence do I need?

Declare completion or non-use of PPPs on RPW Online
IPM Plan kept for 5 years and available for inspection if requested
PPP usage records kept for 5 years and available for inspection if requested
No requirement to submit IPM Plan to Welsh Government
Existing annual IPM Plans meeting requirements can be used

How much does UA2 pay?

Payment for UA2 is included in the Universal Payment received for completing all applicable Universal Actions. The Universal Payment represents the costs of undertaking these actions and the social benefits from sustainable food production.

IPM approaches include:

Appropriate cultivation techniques
Diverse crop rotations and companion crops
Pest-resistant crop varieties
Tailored and efficient use of pesticides and fertilisers
Wildlife habitats in and around fields to encourage beneficial predators
Technology-based precision application methods
Regular monitoring and threshold-based treatment decisions

How can I prepare?

Familiarise yourself with IPM Plan templates (NFU/Voluntary Initiative options available)
Consider using the Welsh Government Pesticide Treatment Record template
Review existing pest management approaches and identify improvement opportunities
Access advice through Farming Connect IPM guidance

Benefits of UA2

For your farm:

Reduced input costs through targeted PPP use
More resilient crops and reduced pest resistance risk
Reduced risks to human health from chemical exposure
Better understanding of pest management alternatives

For the community:

Protection of beneficial invertebrates and pollinators essential for crop production
Reduced environmental impact from pesticide use
Enhanced ecosystem services from natural pest control
Improved biodiversity in agricultural landscapes