The Voluntary Initiative

The Voluntary Initiative (VI) is a five year program of research, training and awareness raising agreed by the crop protection, farming and related organizations with Government to minimize the environmental impacts of pesticides.

The aim of the program is to help farmers, advisers and operators to protect water quality and enhance biodiversity. By protecting water quality and enhancing farmland biodiversity, the Voluntary Initiative aims to reduce the risk of a pesticide tax. The tax would severely damage farm incomes and on its own would do nothing to protect water or enhance biodiversity. It is vital therefore that everyone involved in farming and crop protection plays their part in making the necessary changes to protect water and enhance biodiversity.

The program is supported by all the leading organizations involved in farming and crop protection in the UK:

• The National Farmers Union (NFU)
• NFU Scotland (NFUS)
• Ulster Farmers Union (UFU)
• Country Land and Business Association (CLA)
• Crop Protection Association (CPA)
• UKASTA
• Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA)
• National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC)
• Leading crop protection advisers

For more information on the Voluntary Initiative contact 01733 349225 or log on to www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk

A key element of the Voluntary Initiative is the provision of Environmental Information Sheets (EISs) for crop protection products, which provide clear information on the potential environmental impact of these products. To access an EIS for our products, navigate to the products section of our website.