Farming minister praises Voluntary Initiative ten years of success

Agriculture Minister Jim Paice has praised the Voluntary Initiative for its achievements over the past ten years.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Crop Protection Association to mark the tenth anniversary of the VI, he said:

’Under VI leadership, industry has stepped up to the mark and shown what can be delivered voluntarily without regulation. It is an excellent example of industry taking responsibility and earning trust.

’The VI has been subject to close scrutiny since it was set up and it continues to stand up well. This is due to the co-operative approach taken by everyone involved in the VI, all of whom are united in the aim of delivering the responsible use of pesticides. The result is a non-regulatory solution that is a credit to all those involved.’

The event also saw the launch of a brochure marking the tenth anniversary and the VI’s 2010/11 Annual Report. Jim Paice also took the opportunity to thank outgoing independent chairman Professor Barry Dent, who has stood down after chairing the VI Steering Group from its start in 2001, and welcoming his successor Wiltshire farmer Richard Butler.

’I am pleased that we have been able to maintain the VI’s track record for meeting or exceeding major targets for training and sprayer testing,’ said Mr Butler. ’These remain an important demonstration of the farming industry’s commitment to responsible pesticide use. However, we must now look ahead to see how the VI - working with other industry-led schemes - can help minimise the threat of further regulation as the UK implements the Sustainable Use and Water Framework Directives.’