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The Conservation Grade™ Protocol defines the standards which a farmer must implement to become an approved Conservation Grade grower.
The standards prescribe the creation and maintenance of wildlife habitats (see CG Habitats), creation of a Farm Environment Plan (see Farmer Requirements) and certain production requirements and pesticide restrictions (see below).

Production requirements

• Certain agrochemicals are prohibited having been identified as being harmful to wildlife (see Prohibited Pesticides list below)
• All farm treatments must comply with the provisions of the Voluntary Initiative www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk
• Efficient and effective production methods must be employed in the production areas but these must not interfere with wildlife habitats or have a substantial detrimental effect on wildlife in the production areas
• Only non-genetically modified products can be used in the production of any crop or livestock product

Prohibited pesticides

In order to maintain the integrity of food products to Conservation Grade standards, certain pesticide inputs are prohibited where they have been judged by Conservation Grade as being harmful to the environment. Treatments are only allowed that combine the best of modern technology with concern for wildlife and biodiversity.

The following pesticides are prohibited from use on CG farms:

• Organophosphate insecticides in crop production
• Methiocarb slug pellets
• Synthetic pyrethroid insecticides on cereal crops between 31st March and harvest, and any CG habitat (except taufluvalinate)
• Certain in-store grain treatments

Pesticides may be prohibited either by the Protocol or by the processor contracted to buy the Conservation Grade raw material.

All matters relating to the Conservation Grade Protocol are reviewed annually by the Technical Advisory Panel, CG agronomists and CG technical advisors.