Bayer to start pilot project that encourages farmers to wear PPE when applying crop protection products

Bayer Crop Science will start a pilot project that seeks to encourage farmers in some towns to wear personal protective equipment when applying crop protection products. 

The company said the project would provide farmers with a safety kit consisting of two filter face masks, a pair of nitrile gloves, and goggles and will be implemented in the vegetable-producing areas of Buguias and La Trinidad in Benguet as well as in rice areas in Bayambang in Pangasinan and Concepcion in Tarlac.  

“While Filipino farmers seeking good yields ensure that their crops are protected from insect pests and diseases, most farmers do not use the complete recommended PPE at the time when spraying is necessary,” said Bayer.

The company noted it would sell the safety kit through selected distributors from the four municipalities. 

According to Bayer, only 6 out of 10 farmers use a face mask when preparing and using crop protection products and generally use surgical masks which are not recommended since they don’t provide enough protection. 

SOURCE: Business World