Spray drift is the unintended movement of pesticide droplets or vapour away from the target crop during application, which can contaminate neighbouring fields, water bodies or habitats and create unexpected residue findings in food consignments.
In trade practice
Residues detected in a consignment are not always traceable to the supplier’s own applications; drift from adjacent farms can cause exceedances of the maximum residue levels in Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, complicating dispute resolution between buyer and supplier. Suppliers in areas of intensive mixed agriculture should document buffer zones, application conditions and neighbouring land use to support their defence if an unexpected residue is found. Buyers should be aware that drift-related residues are a recognised issue in dense growing regions and may request field-boundary maps as part of supplier due diligence.
In a specification
Where drift risk is material, a supply contract may require the supplier to declare neighbouring crop types and pesticide use, and to notify the buyer promptly if a drift incident is suspected before or after harvest.