The 2002 Annual Report of the Pesticides Forum, published by DEFRA, highlights the continuing work undertaken by the Forum during the year to encourage farmers and growers to use pesticides responsibly.

The report summarises all the topics considered by the Forum during 2002, including:

• the impact of pesticides on farmland bird populations
• occurrence of pesticide residues in food
• progress with the industry Voluntary Initiative
• an update of the indicators of pesticide impacts

The report also sets out the priorities for the Forum in 2003, when it will develop a greater role in advising the government on pesticide policy issues. In particular the Forum will contribute to the development of a national plan for the sustainable use of pesticides. The Forum will also look to widen the scope of its work and develop closer links with the Advisory Committee on Pesticides, the Pesticides Residues Committee, and the Voluntary Initiative.

The newly appointed Forum Chairman, Professor Ed Gallagher said "This report highlights the excellent work done in 2002 by the Forum. I look forward to working with stakeholders and agencies in building on this to meet the challenges ahead in 2003".