The Pesticides Forum issued its 2005 Annual Report today.

Pesticide Forum 2005 Annual Report

Press Release

The Pesticides Forum issued its 2005 Annual Report today.

In introducing the Report, the Chairman, Professor Ed Gallagher, noted the increasing demands from public opinion and government policy on all pesticide users, professional and infrequent users alike, to develop practices which minimise the environmental risks that can be associated with these products.

The Forum has worked to support the development of such practices by considering the practical implications of a wide range of topics. During the last year, the Forum has discussed the promotion of integrated crop management systems; alternatives to chemical pest, weed and disease control; and the role of application technology. It has closely followed the continuing development of industry programmes such as the Voluntary Initiative for Pesticides, and has published indicators on the environmental impact of pesticides.

During 2005 the Forum supported, and contributed to, the development of the Government's Strategy for the Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products, and high level Action Plans. The Forum will have an important role to play in contributing to and monitoring the work programmes developed by the Strategy's Action Plan Groups.

The Pesticides Forum was set up in 1996 and its remit is to:

• bring together the views of those concerned with the use and effects of pesticides and to identify their common interests;
• assist the effective dissemination of best practice, advances in technology, and research and development results; and
• advise Government on the development, promotion and implementation of its policy relating to the responsible use of pesticides.

For copies of the Pesticides Forum 2005 Annual Report please see: Annual Report 2005 pdf or request a hard copy from Nicola Parry, Room 317, Mallard House, Kings Pool, 3 Peasholme Green, York. YO1 7PX, Tel. No. 01904 455860.

The Government strategy 'Pesticides and the Environment: a Strategy for the Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products' was published in March 2006 and is available on the PSD website: www.pesticides.gov.uk/environment.asp?id=70
or from Kerry Hutchinson, Room 317, Mallard House, Kings Pool, 3 Peasholme Green, York. YO1 7PX, Tel. No. 01904 455967.

Further information about the Pesticides Forum, and the report, can be found on the Forum's website: http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/pesticides_forum_home.asp

www.defra.gov.uk