Pesticides Forum focuses on a wide range of important pesticide issues

Two reports published today confirm that farmers and growers are doing much to reduce impacts on the environment from the use of pesticides although it is disappointing that levels of pesticides found in water increased in 2005.

Commenting on the publication of the Pesticide Forum's '2006 Annual Report' and the '2006 Report of Indicators reflecting the impacts of pesticides use' James Clarke, the new Chairman of the Forum said:

"The Pesticides Forum continues to play a key role in advising Government on new important initiatives such as the UK Pesticides Strategy or responding to developments such as the consultation on the EU's Thematic Strategy for Pesticides."

The key findings from the 'Indicators' report were that 2005 saw lower sales of pesticides than in recent years and increased participation by pesticide users and advisors in voluntary activities. Despite this levels of pesticides being found in water increased in 2005 compared to recent years. James Clarke said that "our understanding of these matters does not lead us to believe that 2005 was a problem year in relation to practices adopted by users of pesticides. This highlights just how much we need to know to fully understand what is happening. The Forum will continue to work with member organisations to better understand the reasons for this increase and to develop effective solutions."

Following his attendance at the Forum's October meeting to mark its 10th anniversary, Jeff Rooker - the Minister with responsibility for pesticides - added his own personal thanks to all those organisations involved in the Forum:

"There is no doubt that it is through the efforts of all the organisations involved that the Forum has achieved so much in its 10 years. I look forward to a continuing close working relationship with the Forum and its member organisations."