News

News from the Voluntary Initiative, our members and supporters. And anything else we think you might like to know about.

16 May 2017
The Voluntary Initiative Seeks New Chair
The Voluntary Initiative (VI) is seeking a new independent chair to lead the organisation which promotes the responsible use of pesticides in agriculture and horticulture.

01 March 2017
The Voluntary Initiative and Catchment Sensitive Farming Agronomy Meeting
The Voluntary Initiative in partnership with Catchment Sensitive Farming is holding an agronomy meeting in Ludlow on 28th March. The meeting for tailored to local agronomists, farmers, Catchment Sens...

23 February 2017
Farmers reminded of last OSR Herbicide application date
Farmers and sprayer operators need to ensure that applications of carbetamide are applied by the latest application date of 28 February advises The Voluntary Initiative (VI).

27 January 2017
Farmers reminded of latest OSR herbicide application dates
Farmers and sprayer operators need to ensure that applications of propyzamide and carbetamide are applied by the latest application dates (31 Jan and 28 Feb respectively) advises the VI.

20 December 2016
New H2OK? Think Water Check it Out tool launched
A new online tool to help farmers and operators check their spraying practices has been launched by The Voluntary Initiative (VI).

14 December 2016
Running Field Drains Prompt OSR Herbicides Advice
As field drains start to run after recent rain, oilseed rape growers and spraying contractors are being encouraged to use decision support tools that help ensure effective weed control while minimisin...

23 November 2016
Test Centres Gear Up For Sprayer Tests
From November 26th 2016, all pesticide application equipment in use requires, by law, a valid National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) certificate.

24 October 2016
Think Soil Conditions, Think Water for OSR Herbicides
Oilseed rape growers, hoping to make the most of the crop to tackle blackgrass, are being urged by The Voluntary Initiative (VI) to think carefully before applying autumn herbicides.

12 September 2016
New tool means farmers and beekeepers can BeeConnected this season
VI launches new website to improve two-way relationship between farmers and beekeepers.

07 April 2016
New “OSR Herbicides? Think Water” Campaign Launched by VI
A new campaign aimed at supporting farmers to continue their responsible use of oilseed rape herbicides is being launched by the Voluntary Initiative with support from the Crop Protection Association.