The History
The Pesticides Forum was set up in May 1996 to bring together an independent group of stakeholders drawn from a wide range of environmental, conservation and consumer interests as well as from the pesticides and agricultural industries. The Forum's remit is to advise Government and industry on ways of encouraging and promoting responsible pesticide use.
The Forum's membership brings together a wide range of organisations representing those who make, use or advise on pesticides as well as environmental, conservation and consumer interests. Many of the Forum members are already engaged in initiatives to promote best practice. The Forum provides a mechanism for exchanging ideas and for encouraging joint initiatives to address particular issues. It also provides advice to Government on Pesticide usage matters.
Following expansion in 1998 from its original 16 members to 23, membership of the Forum is now drawn from 26 organisations covering the farming (conventional and organic production), farming equipment and pesticide industries; environmental and conservation groups; education and training; consumer interests and trades unions who provide a wide range of experience and views on this important sector.
Representatives from all the Government Departments responsible for, or those who have an interest in, pesticides in the UK also participate in our meetings. A list of all current Pesticides Forum members and advisers is available here: Members and Advisers.
Following Dr David Shannon's retirement from Public Service, Professor Ed Gallagher was appointed chair of the Forum with effect from the 1st January 2003.
Upon Ed Gallagher's retirement, James Clarke was appointed chair of the Forum with effect from October 2006.
