NFU Scotland and Scottish Quality Cereals are inviting farmers, crofters and growers to a jointly run seminar on the Voluntary Initiative, which takes place on 21 February, at St Johnstone FC, McDiarmid Park, Perth. The seminar will look at where the Voluntary Initiative has come from, where it is now and where it is going. By attending the seminar, delegates will be eligible for NRoSO Professional Development Points.

Scott Walker, Policy Director, NFU Scotland, said:

"Activity in Scotland on the 5-year voluntary initiative has progressed well and a lot has been achieved over the past 5 years. Looking forward, subject to the Government's continued agreement that such an approach is better than a tax, a new VI post March 2006 is being discussed.

"By its successful launch of the Voluntary Initiative, the industry has so far been able to persuade Government that is has taken its own steps to strengthen public confidence in the safety of modern food production. If we are to ensure that no pesticide tax is introduced and that the industry is left to self regulate we need to continue the work of the VI.

"Speakers at the seminar will be reviewing progress on the VI and discussing other issues such as the new waste rules that came into effect at the start of the year. Some places are still available for the seminar, which starts at 10.00am and goes on to 2.00pm. Places can be reserved by calling NFUS on 0131 472 4000."

Seminar Programme .

• 9.30 - 10.00 Arrival, coffee .
• 10.00 - 10.15 Chairman's introduction .
• 10.15 -11.00 The Voluntary Initiative - where we have come from, where we are now and where we are going after March 2006 .
• 11.00 - 11.30 What it has meant to me to be a VI Indicator Farmer .
• 11.30 - 12.00 The new waste regulations .
• 12.00 - 12.30 NRoSO - a progress report .
• 12.30 - 12.45 SQC and the Voluntary Initiative .
• 12.45 - 1.00 Summary and open forum discussion .
• 1.00 - 2.00 Buffet lunch then disperse

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