Dr Chris Hartfield Appointed Chair of the VI CIC Board

27 March 2025

We are pleased to announce that Dr Chris Hartfield, the Senior Regulatory Affairs Adviser at the National Farmers' Union (NFU), has been appointed as the new Chair of the CIC Board of the Voluntary Initiative (VI), effective March 26, 2025.​

  • Chris Hartfield 01LR Cropped

Dr Hartfield brings a wealth of experience to this role, having dedicated his career to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and plant health. At the NFU, he has been instrumental in shaping policies related to plant protection products (PPPs) and has maintained a strong focus on bee health and pollinators.

The Voluntary Initiative is a program led by the UK agricultural industry, aiming to promote the responsible use of PPPs to protect the environment. Under Dr Hartfield's leadership, the VI is poised to continue its mission of reducing the environmental impact of PPPs through education, training, and stewardship schemes.​

Dr Hartfield's appointment comes at a critical time when the agricultural sector faces numerous challenges, including the need for sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. His expertise and vision will be invaluable in guiding the VI's efforts to support farmers in adopting practices that are environmentally responsible, but ensure the continued production of safe, affordable nutritious food.​

Please join us in congratulating Chris in his new role. We look forward to the positive impact his leadership will bring to the VI and the broader agricultural community.