Time running out for farmers to complete crop protection management plans

The clock is ticking as the deadline approaches for farmers who use pesticides on their farm to complete a Crop Protection Management Plan (CPMP) - a key element of the Voluntary Initiative (VI).

The forms should be returned by March 31. NFU Vice president Paul Temple said: "The purpose of the CPMP is to put the environment at the heart of crop protection. It is vital that at an individual farm level, the risks to water, insects, plants, animals and biodiversity are minimised.

"CPMPs help farmers manage the use of pesticides on their farm better and allow them to focus their thoughts on how they could improve operations while helping the environment at the same time.

"I would urge all farmers to fill out the form now and get it in before the deadline as it is the only way we can measure how many are completed and make sure the Voluntary Initiative targets for the CPMP are met. If we do not meet our voluntary targets, further regulation is a real possibility."

Copies of the CPMP can be obtained from the VI website at http://www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk/Content/CPMPForm.asp or from NFU Callfirst on 0870 8458458. Return copies of the summary sheet to the NFU before March 31 by fax on 02476 858501, by post or complete it online via the VI website.