Farmers’ help needed to build on VI success

The Voluntary Initiative has issued a rallying call to farmers to beat the latest targets for 2007 and build on its success.

Farmers need to continue to support the key VI measures of the NSTS, CPMPs and NRoSO and help beat the VI targets for 2007.

In the coming months it will be especially important for farmers and operators to make sure they have the 30 CPD points they need to keep them members of the NRoSO. To help, members of the Agricultural Industries Confederation are providing the "On Target" roadshow training courses – worth eight CPD points – to over 10,000 delegates.

Equally important is that farmers return the CPMP summary sheets to the NFU (Fax back 02476 858501) as last year there was a shortfall. Finally, farmers must not forget to book their sprayer test which, if operators observe the procedure, is worth three NRoSO CPD points.

As the VI moves forward, water quality, biodiversity and best practice remain as key themes and a new secretariat, backed by the farming unions, AIC and the CPA, will support independent VI chairman Professor Barry Dent.

Commenting on the future, Professor Dent said: "We have had excellent uptake in the arable sector and we need to extend this good work to livestock farmers and other occasional users of pesticides.

"The VI shows what can be achieved through voluntary measures and I am pleased its valuable contribution to the National Pesticide Strategy and implementation of the Water Framework Directive is now being recognised by Ministers."