Pesticides in the UK: 2011 report on the impacts & sustainable use of pesticides
The Pesticides Forum has published its latest annual report 'Pesticides in the UK - the 2011 report on the impacts and sustainable use of pesticides'.
This report gives an overview of the range of subjects covered by the work of the Pesticides Forum in 2011. It also describes progress under the six action plans of the UK Pesticides Strategy.
2011 was again a busy and varied year and the Pesticides Forum continued to focus on working through the implementation of the directive on sustainable use of pesticides. The Forum also celebrated its 15th Anniversary with a review of developments and achievements since the Forum was created by Ministers in 1996 and by identifying priorities for future work.
The outcome of the review of stakeholder engagement at the end of 2011 confirmed that the Pesticides Forum would remain the principal stakeholder engagement group helping to deliver and implement the pesticides National Action Plan. Ministers also agreed to extend the Chairman's appointment for a further three years. James Clarke, the Chairman of the Forum said:
"Since the Forum was set up in 1996 much of the work has focused on developing awareness of the evolving assurance schemes, progress with integrated approaches and the development of improved knowledge transfer systems. It is apposite that the Forum recognised the importance of all these initiatives at the time and that they are still as important, perhaps even more so, today, in further improving practice. It is also pleasing to note that Ministers still recognise the importance of the role of the Forum and, as a result, have agreed to its continuation as the key stakeholder engagement group in this sector."
This report is relevant to anyone with an interest in both the impacts and sustainable use of plant protection products.
To make the content more valuable there is a supporting PowerPoint presentation which contains all the data from this report and will provide a useful resource for those wishing to know more about pesticide use and impacts in the UK.
The Pesticides Forum brings together over 25 major stakeholder organisations concerned with the use, and the impacts resulting from the use of pesticides. The membership includes agricultural, environmental and other interests and seeks to advise Government and industry on responsible pesticide use. The Forum meets three times a year.
The report can be viewed on the Forum website: http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/pesticides_forum_home.asp
All enquiries concerning the report should be addressed in the first instance to the Chair of the Forum, James Clarke on 01954 268219 or email james.clarke@adas.co.uk.
For further information about the work of the Pesticides Forum please contact the Secretary Nigel Chadwick, Chemicals Regulation Directorate, Room 214, Mallard House, Kings Pool, 3 Peasholme Green, York. YO1 7PX, Tel. No. 01904 455723. Alternatively, more information can be found on the Forum's website: http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/pesticides_forum_home.asp.