Taking the message further than “best practice” and “safe stewardship” of pesticide use, the VI is moving to a message of integrated pest and crop management to drive change across the industry, working towards the visions encapsulated in the 25 year Environment Plan. The VI message of an IPM-based approach to sustainable farming requires close interaction with on-farm decision makers. Champions will deliver VI IPM-focused presentations and messages, to lead active dialogue to challenge current practice and drive through a commitment to farming in an environmentally sustainable way.
The 19 VI Champions, farmers/advisors/catchment officers are held in high esteem within the Ag and Water industries for advocating forward-thinking farming practices with an excellent knowledge of the problems affecting the UK farming and water industries. Each has a good understanding of VI core values with regard safe and responsible use of pesticides and has also received media training. All are advocates of the need to move to environmentally sustainable farming through the adoption of an IPM-based approach.
The VI Champions are now available to support the work of the VI as a resource to the Ag and water industries. Contact info@voluntaryinitiative.org.uk.