Pesticide Usage Survey (PUS)

The Pesticide Usage Survey (PUS) is a voluntary (to pesticide users) post-approval monitoring programme which dates back to the 1960s. A cycle of surveys is carried out, where data is collected from a selection of pesticide users, representing different crop and amenity sectors, across the UK. This data is raised to give national estimates of pesticide use.

Pesticide usage data helps to

• inform policy and other deliberations, answer questions and meet international reporting obligations on the application and impact of regulatory processes relating to pesticides (including methods of insect, weed and disease control);
• inform programs that monitor the impact of pesticides on human health and the environment (for example, in foodstuffs and/or waterbodies);
• provide a basis for wider research related to pesticide use and impact.

The programme currently collects data

• every two years for arable crops, edible protected crops, outdoor vegetable crops, soft fruit, orchards and potato stores;
• every four years for grassland and fodder crops and amenity use; and
• annually on aerial applications