DAERA encourages farmers and growers to take part in the 2025 Pesticide Usage Monitoring Programme
DAERA has reminded farmers and growers across Northern Ireland of the closing dates for the return of the Pesticide Usage Monitoring Surveys.
Whilst taking part is entirely voluntary, the survey provides helpful information, to DAERA, which ensures that future decisions, policies, and support reflect the real pesticide needs and practices of Northern Ireland’s agricultural and horticultural sector.
Please note that the collection of this data is not related to the recent publicity on the new Plant Protection Product (PPP) record-keeping obligations.
The surveys are delivered by the Agri‑Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), and the 2025 programme, which covers Grassland and Fodder Crops, Vegetables, and Edible Protected Crops, is now underway.
Farmers and growers are selected through a random sample and they will receive, or will have already received, a letter from AFBI requesting details of their plant protection product usage during the 2025 growing season.
Selected Grassland and Fodder Crop growers should return the survey form, provided by 31 January 2026. Vegetable and Edible Protected Crop growers have until 28 February 2026 to make their returns.
All participants will have received a stamped, addressed envelope which should be used to make their return.
In some cases, AFBI surveyors will follow up by telephone to gather more detailed information where needed. AFBI contact details will be included in all correspondence for anyone with questions or requiring support completing the survey.
Don’t forget that participation is voluntary, however, returning the survey information will be very helpful.
All data collected is anonymised and aggregated before being published in the final report. Individual farm details are not published.
For further information and resources please visit:
https://www.afbini.gov.uk/article/pesticide-usage-monitoring-surveys
or email: [email protected].
