BASIS and Environment Agency sign landmark agreement

BASIS and the Environment Agency have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding, formally recognising more than 30 years in which the two organisations have worked together to raise standards in the pesticide supply and advice sector.

Signing the agreement which includes a data sharing section, David Jordan, Director of Operations at the Environment Agency said, "We work closely and co-operatively with trade groups and businesses to find more effective ways to protect the environment. This partnership with BASIS supports our work to prevent diffuse pollution and improve the quality of the natural water environment, our rivers, estuaries, coasts and groundwaters."

BASIS Managing Director Rob Simpson added, ’This agreement cements our longstanding informal relationship with the Environment Agency. It recognises the confidence the EA has in the annual BASIS inspection scheme. We anticipate that, for stores registered with BASIS, it will cut down on red tape and in particular streamline the five yearly renewal process for EA approval, which requires an inspection from the Agency.

The agreement was formally signed on 30 June 2011 at the EA’s Millbank Tower head office in London.