AIC at 20: Supporting science-based approach to phosphate management
As AIC marks 20 years as the UK agri-supply industry’s leading trade association, we're looking back at some of its greatest achievements since it was founded in 2003.
Each week throughout 2023, we’ll explore a major achievement where AIC represented its Member businesses, promoted the benefits of modern commercial agriculture in the UK, and supported collaboration throughout the food chain.
This week we examine how AIC encouraged best practice for managing phosphates in watercourses and helped avoid unnecessary restrictions being imposed on the agri-supply industry and productive farmland.
Science-based evidence
Assisting the whole industry in demonstrating competence in nutrient management has long been a priority for AIC.
From the early days of its inception, AIC has played a key role in developing practices to achieve Catchment Sensitive Farming targets and deliver outcomes to meet crop needs and protect water quality in the context of the European Commission's Water Framework Directive.
To encourage good nutrient management on farm and avoid unnecessary restrictions being imposed on the agri-supply industry, AIC worked with the authors of a commissioned scientific review of phosphate-related research in agriculture in 2005.
Ensuring correct interpretation of data and apportioning responsibility when agriculture is compared to other industries. This research was later used to support AIC recommendations to the Government on phosphate management.
Protecting water quality
AIC's work in this area ensured that the preservation of water quality was science-based, and that that appropriate sale of professional products and services of AIC Members was promoted.
Without AIC input, land may have been taken out of production on environmental grounds and the reputation of fertilisers could have been damaged by dubious environmental claims.
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Authors
Oli Hill
As Communications Manager, Oli creates and oversees the content published on AIC's website, emails, Member briefings, print publications, and social media.
Jo Gilbertson
Jo Gilbertson is AIC’s Head of Fertiliser and is based at our Head Office in Peterborough.
Jo is responsible for the management and co-ordination of all matters relating to the production and distribution of fertilisers on behalf of Members.
Graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Health, he has additional post graduate qualifications in air pollution control, health and safety, advanced negotiation skills, and quality assurance management.
