The VI reaches agreement on way forward for water protection
The Voluntary Initiative (VI) has signed a working agreement with the Environment Agency confirming that voluntary measures are the preferred way forward when it comes to meeting the pesticide requirements of the Water Framework Directive.
The Voluntary Initiative (VI) has signed a working agreement with the Environment Agency confirming that voluntary measures are the preferred way forward when it comes to meeting the pesticide requirements of the Water Framework Directive.
VI Chair Richard Butler said: “The government has made it clear that it is looking for partnerships rather than red tape when it comes to implementing this type of European legislation; this agreement builds on and clarifies the excellent working relationship the VI has with the Environment Agency and meets with the aims of DEFRA’s newly published National Action Plan on Pesticides”
Environment Agency pesticide expert Jo Kennedy said “Partnerships with the farming and crop protection industry make the best use of expertise and local knowledge. They have an important role to play in managing catchment pesticide risk – everyone benefits.”
Work on the agreement is a key activity featured in the 2011/12 VI Annual Report, which is also published today. The report confirms that the VI continues to maintain excellent support for both sprayer testing through the National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) and membership of the National Register of Sprayer Operators (NRoSO) Interest in Crop Protection Management Plans continues to decline following its loss as an option in the Entry Level Scheme.
