NFU calls for pesticide plan returns

The NFU is reminding farmers and growers that they have until the end of March to return summaries of their Crop Protection Management Plans - one of the key elements of the Voluntary Initiative alongside sprayer testing and operator competence.

Paul Chambers, NFU plant health adviser, said: "The VI is required to report annually on the uptake of these plans across the UK. Our experience is that many CPMPs are completed on farm but not reported to us. If it appears the farming community is not taking voluntary action to demonstrate care with pesticides there is a risk we could face further regulation.

"In England, where we are currently asking for an industry-led initiative to retain the benefits of set-aside, it is vital we show support for existing voluntary schemes. Also, any farmers who have included the CPMP as a point-scoring option in their existing ELS scheme must complete one each year."

Farmers and agronomists can return CPMP summaries by fax (02476 858501), post (CPMP returns, Agriculture House, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2TZ) or the CPMP website.

Notes to editors:
1. The Voluntary Initiative is a programme of measures, agreed with Government, to minimise the environmental impacts of pesticides.

2. The sponsors of the Voluntary Initiative are the Agricultural Engineers Association, Agricultural Industries Confederation, Country Land and Business Association, Crop Protection Association, National Association of Agricultural Contractors, the NFU, NFU Scotland and the Ulster Farmers Union. To date nearly ￡60 million has been invested in the scheme by the agricultural industry.