AICC Introduction.

The Association was founded in 1981 to provide a professional organisation for the truly "Independent" crop consultant. Advice given by members is independent of the merchanting and manufacturing trade associations and thus our members are able to give a continuity of professional and confidential advice, without any pressures from interested commercial parties.

Members may be retained by individual farmers, or employed by farmers groups or farming companies. Technical expertise within the AICC membership ranges across all aspects of arable crop production from field walking and agrochemical programmes, to crop planning, fertiliser programmes, Gross Margin analyses, expert witness reports etc. The scale of professional fees charged by our members will relate to the type and level of service required.

The AICC sets a minimum standard of technical expertise for all its members. This includes the monitoring of the Continual Professional Development (CPD) programmes required to practice as Advisors in both the crop protection and fertiliser sectors. All members are bound by a strictly enforced code of conduct.

The AICC is a member of BASIS and FACTS, in addition many members have active contact and co-operation with Agricultural Research Stations, BBSRC, Defra, HGCA and the agrochemical industry. Members contribute to the UK infra structure of the industry at seminars and technical exchanges and are contributors to the many technical committees in the industry.

The Association is governed by a Council elected from amongst its Full Members and there are also Associate Members and Retired Members. Apart from providing national representation to the industry, the Association has a regional structure with seven regions in England and Scotland.

AICC is committed to a policy of promoting the concept of integrated crop management (ICM) to ensure our clients maintain the profitability of their enterprises within a concept of environmental enhancement. Advice can be tailored to each individual client's circumstances and needs, based upon today's information and regulations in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex industry.