DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (154/07) issued by
The Government News Network on 31 May 2007
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."
Notes for Editors
1. The Pesticides Forum was set up by Ministers in 1996 to: bring
together the views of those concerned with the use and effects of
pesticides; identify their common interests; assist in 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.
2. The 2006 'Pesticides Forum Annual Report' and the
'Report of indicators reflecting the impacts of pesticide
use' are available on the Forum's website :
http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/pesticides_forum.asp?id=1606
and the link for the Indicators Report:
http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/pesticides_forum.asp?id=1879
or can be obtained from:
Pesticides Forum Secretariat
Room 317
Mallard
House
Kings Pool
3 Peasholme Green
York, YO1
7PX
Telephone: 01904 455860
E-mail: Pesticidesforum@psd.defra.gsi.gov.uk
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
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