BALI attended and reviews Amenity Forum Conference 2018

BALI's Technical Officer (Policy & Research) Owen Baker attended this year's Amenity Forum Conference 2018. This is what he had to say about the day.

In a suite at football club Burton Albion’s stadium, with a view of immaculate grounds and a flawless pitch, the Amenity Forum’s 2018 conference was held earlier this week. Chairman John Moverley and the Amenity Forum team had gathered a line-up of expert speakers and exhibitors plucked from the premier league of the amenity sector. The morning sessions were delivered by experts from the Chemicals Regulation Division, the Environment Agency and National Poisons Information Service (NPIS), who led the audience through a journey of policy and legislative development, with an indication of the changes likely to impact the profession as a result of Brexit.  Subsequent speakers discussed their work in the amenity sector, areas of research and looked towards the future of the industry – what direction technology is heading and how professionals are adapting to change.

BALI has long since been a supporter of the Amenity Forum and their work, paying into membership on an annual basis. Pesticide use has come under increasing scrutiny over recent months, with several unfortunate news articles undermining the important work undertaken by professionals working on highways, rail, sports grounds, parks, industrial and utility sites.  The Amenity Forum aims to promote the proper and responsible use of pesticides through training and qualifications but also integrated methods of pest control which seek to ensure pests, weeds and diseases are controlled according to the latest industry best practice. Contrary to sensationalist news headlines, we all know the sector can tackle all challenges in a safe, organised fashion. However, independent bodies such as the Amenity Forum, who champion this area of the industry, together with trade associations, ensure a responsible voice for the industry is presented.