The IFM and New Technologies Sub-Group was formed in 1999 and disbanded in 2005. It played a key role for the Pesticides Forum in the promotion of Integrated Crop Management (ICM) - an integral part of Integrated Farm Management (IFM).
ICM is a 'whole farm' philosophy, which requires that wherever possible alternatives to chemical control of pests should be used. It combines the best of conventional farming practices, such as crop rotations, with the minimisation of inputs such as pesticides and fertilisers and care for the environment.
ICM encourages farmers and growers to think about their use of inputs and to have full regard to their wider impact on the environment, whilst at the same time ensuring that they have effective pest and disease controls for their crops.
IFM Sub Group -Terms of Reference
'To bring together a small group of members of the Pesticides Forum, and others as appropriate, to consider in detail the promotion of integrated farm management techniques, to consider how the Forum should co-ordinate its recommendations for research, to consider how technology transfer from research may be improved, and make recommendations to the Pesticides Forum accordingly. Emphasis to be placed on promoting new technologies and reducing the environmental impacts of pest control measures'.
Members List
Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) - Mr Tom Bals
BASIS (Registration) Ltd (BASIS) - Vacant
Crop Protection Association - Ms Anne Buckenham
National Farmers Union (NFU) - Mr Julian Hasler
Pesticides Action Network (Pan)-UK - Ms Stephanie Williamson
Scottish Agricultural Colleges (SAC) - Dr Stuart Wale
Scottish National Heritage - Dr Peter Pitkin
United Kingdom Agricultural Supply Trades Association (UKASTA)
