A SPECIALISED training package has been developed to help pig farmers, their staff and allied trades get to grips with Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control.

The provisions of IPPC will affect all pig units with more than 750 sow places or 2000 finisher pig places over 30kg and work has to start now.

Booking has now opened for the IPPC training courses to be run this autumn by the British Pig Executive (BPEX) in conjunction with Pork Chain Solutions.

MLC Pig Technologist Nigel Penlington said: "Feedback from the courses held recently in the North of England has been extremely positive, all participants rated the content and format highly or very high and felt the time well invested.

"They took away a better understanding of how IPPC will work on their units and ideas to improve the running of their business.

"Multi-site operators found the courses of value for site management as they offer a very cost effective method of training with the Vocational Training Scheme Grant funding. Back at the farm, time can then be more effectively spent on implementing specific detail rather than the basics and principles."

All participants are provided with a work book to take home for future reference. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

A number of applications have already been received from owners and mangers who have already been on the course for other members of their teams.

For further details and to book, contact Lindsey Tapp on 01908 844734 or go to www.bpex.org.uk

The courses are: 12 October, Bishop Burton College, Beverley, East Yorks; 13 October, RJ & AE Godfrey, Elsham Top, Brigg, North Lincs; 8 November, JSR Farms Ltd, Southburn, Driffield, East Yorks; 22 November, Easton College, Norwich; 29 November, Harper Adams University College, Newport, Shropshire; 30 November, Taunton NFU Offices, Taunton; 6 December, White Horse Inn, Empingham, Rutland; 7 December, NFU Office, Newmarket, Suffolk.