The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is calling on farmers and growers in Northern Ireland to participate in the 2026 Pesticide Usage Surveys.

DAERA said the surveys rely on farmer and grower participation to ensure that future decisions, policies and support reflect the actual pesticide needs and practices of the agricultural and horticultural sector.

The survey covers arable crops, top fruit crops and soft fruit crops, with surveys commencing in October 2026. Farmers and growers selected through a random sample will receive a letter from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) requesting details of their plant protection product usage during the 2026 growing season.

AFBI will send a letter and survey form to randomly selected growers. The form should be completed and returned within two weeks in the stamped, addressed envelope provided. The letter will also include a link to complete the arable survey online, together with a contact mobile number and email address for submitting electronic records.

Any details given will be strictly confidential. AFBI may ring farmers to gather further information, however, no information on individual growers or their use of pesticides will be shared.

If farmers and growers have any questions about the survey, or need help filling it in, they will be able to contact AFBI via the details in the survey letters.

For further information, farmers and growers can visit the AFBI website or contact pesticide.usage@afbini.gov.uk.