As farming systems continue to evolve, the importance of sustainable nutrient management is becoming clearer by the season. It’s no longer just about crop yield — it’s about meeting environmental obligations, maintaining soil health, and making informed, evidence-based decisions that benefit both the land and the business.
This is where the BASIS FACTS qualification plays a crucial role. Designed for professionals who provide fertiliser and nutrient management advice, the FACTS course is widely recognised as the industry benchmark in responsible crop nutrition.
At Newlands Training, we’re proud to offer this nationally respected programme — giving agronomists, farm managers and advisers the knowledge and confidence to plan and apply fertilisers safely, legally and effectively.
What Is FACTS?
FACTS stands for Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme. It’s a qualification developed to ensure that anyone involved in giving fertiliser advice or planning nutrient applications understands the science behind their decisions and the wider impact on the environment.
With nutrient losses, watercourse pollution, and soil degradation under increasing scrutiny, FACTS certification is fast becoming essential for professionals working in modern arable systems.
Who the FACTS Course Is For — and What You’ll Take Away
The FACTS course is designed for professionals who are actively involved in making or influencing decisions about fertiliser use. That includes agronomists and technical advisers responsible for nutrient planning, farm managers who oversee crop nutrition strategies, and supplier representatives offering product support or recommendations to clients.
It’s also an essential qualification for anyone looking to enhance their standing on the BASIS Professional Register or earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. Most participants already have a working knowledge of arable crop production and an understanding of soil and plant nutrition. Ideally, candidates will have at least one year’s experience in fertiliser and nutrient planning under the guidance of a qualified adviser.
Over the eight taught days, the course explores the relationship between soil health and crop nutrition in depth. You’ll learn how to assess soil status, calculate nutrient requirements for different crop types, and apply fertilisers in a way that balances crop performance with environmental responsibility. The content includes both organic and manufactured fertilisers, covering their properties, handling, transport, and storage. There’s also a strong focus on the legal framework surrounding fertiliser use and the importance of environmental compliance — particularly around water quality, record-keeping, and pollution prevention.
By the time you reach the final online written exam and viva, you’ll be equipped with practical, up-to-date knowledge that strengthens your ability to advise, plan, and implement nutrient strategies with confidence.
Why It Matters
With schemes like Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Red Tractor assurance placing more weight on nutrient management planning, having a FACTS-qualified person involved in fertiliser decisions is becoming a business essential — not just a best practice.
FACTS isn’t just about understanding products; it’s about understanding the bigger picture. It helps professionals reduce nutrient waste, improve productivity, and support long-term land health.
Course Details
This course is delivered in a small group setting by experienced trainers with backgrounds in agronomy and nutrient planning. You’ll be supported throughout with access to resources, expert guidance, and practical examples.
To view current course availability and dates, visit our Course Listings.
Future-Proof Your Advice
FACTS-qualified professionals are helping shape the future of farming — combining productivity with environmental responsibility. If you work with land, crops or fertiliser inputs, this course gives you the foundation to do that work better, safer, and with more impact.
Places are limited, and early booking is strongly recommended.
Newlands Training – equipping professionals with the knowledge to support resilient, sustainable farming systems.
