The Voluntary initiative, the national farming-led programme to promote best practice in pesticide use through Integrated Pest Management, has appointed Allerton Project head of farming, training & partnerships Phil Jarvis as its new Chair.
Phil, who also chairs the NFU Environment Forum, has been involved in all farm-based research and demonstration at the Allerton Project, run by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, since 1992. Ruth Bailey, Head of the Agricultural Engineers Association and Chair of the Voluntary Initiative CIC Board representing the eight Voluntary Initiative (VI) sponsor organisations announced the appointment: “Following an intense recruitment exercise involving a high-class field of candidates, Phil Jarvis has been appointed to be the new VI Chair”
Ruth also notes that Phil brings “a superb understanding of innovative practical farming and his leadership in the wider rural sector makes him well suited for this role”.
Phil Jarvis thanked the sponsor organisations for the opportunity to take the organisation forward. “I am looking forward to working with the Voluntary Initiative sponsors, Defra, VI Champions and a wider group of stakeholders. I’m hoping to start that engagement in the new year. Our landscape management is entering an exciting and challenging period, where food production and environmental protection take on an increasingly important role in society.”
“I’m looking for solutions to challenges, removing barriers that will encourage more collaboration and promote practises that ensure both our farming and environment prosper.”
