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Spray use survey under way

- 19 October 2001
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19 October 2001



Spray use survey under way

By FARMERS WEEKLY and FWi staff

AN extensive and thorough survey of pesticide practice in the UK has finally got off the ground, the Crop Protection Association has confirmed.

Thought to be the first of its type, the survey, carried out by Central Science Laboratories, involves 1350 arable farmers across the country.

Its launch follows the first meeting of a new pesticide stewardship steering group of farmers, environmental leaders and spray industry representatives.

The group has been set up to monitor progress of the industrys five-year voluntary programme designed to stave off the threat of a pesticide tax.

Steering group leader Barry Dent, from the Royal Agricultural College, met Environment Minister Michael Meacher on Wednesday (18 October).

It was their first meeting since the budget in March, when the initiative was accepted by the Government, which is said to be pleased with progress to date.

“It was a very successful meeting and sets the ground for a good relationship,” said CPAs Martin Savage.

Meanwhile CSL, looking for 350 face-to-face survey participants, has written to farmers inviting them to take part and has already received some replies.

“Were looking for growers to be as honest with their answers as possible,” said CPAs Patrick Goldsworthy, adding that the survey will be confidential.

“Theres an enormous amount of anecdotal evidence to suggest what sort of practices farmers are following.

“We need real reliable data that will show us what areas need improving and give us our baseline to demonstrate improvement over the years.”

The CPA believes that standards on farm are higher than some reports have been suggesting, and hopes the survey will bear this out.

Issues that will be covered include standard and maintenance of equipment as well as level of training and treatment of sprayer waste.

Towards the end of the survey period, due to be completed by spring 2002, a written survey of a further 1,000 farmers will be carried out.

“Well be keeping FARMERS WEEKLY, Crops and FWi informed of any progress as it happens,” assured Mr Goldsworthy.

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