News

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

27 March 2018
Launch of ‘What’s In Your Back Yard’ (WIYBY) new version
A new version of the popular ‘What’s In Your Backyard’ (WIYBY) online tool was launched on 26 March 2018. The updated version includes maps that are easier to use than the original version.

26 February 2018
Dispose of your unwanted pesticides for free
Severn Trent Water has launched a pesticide amnesty scheme in selected catchments enabling farmers and growers to safely dispose of unwanted chemicals, pesticides and biocides free of charge.

05 September 2017
Voluntary Initiative announces a new Chairman
Yorkshire farmer Paul Temple has been appointed as the new Chairman of The Voluntary Initiative (VI).

04 September 2017
Voluntary Initiative Annual Report 2016-17
The Annual Report summarises the work of the Voluntary Initiative for 2016-17

27 July 2017
Red Tractor standards updated to reflect enhanced metaldehyde stewardship
Ahead of metaldehyde slug pellet treatments, growers should familiarise themselves with the new Red Tractor Combinable Crops and Sugar Beet and Fresh Produce standards which have been updated to refle...

23 June 2017
VI OSR Herbicides? Think Water Mimmshall Brook (Hertfordshire) catchment breakfa...

23 June 2017
OSR Herbicides? Think Water - Instead Brook (North Suffolk) catchment breakfast ...

05 June 2017
Arable Production, Science and Compliance; Preparing for an Uncertain Future
The Voluntary Initiative is teeming up with BCPC to bring this timely seminar to The Farmers Club on 10th July.

29 May 2017
Get Pelletwise - Enhanced Stewardship
The Metaldehyde Stewardship Group has launched an enhanced stewardship campaign for 2017.

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.