Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR

The farm Métairie Neuve SCEA implemented a multi-annual agri-environmental scheme and thanks to the project, the use of pesticides has reduced continuously on the land and the residues in the water have fallen.

Métairie Neuve SCEA is a dairy farm consisting of roughly 80 ha, focused on the production of grass and wheat. Its plots are along the Meu River, its tributaries, and in one of the water catchment areas of Rennes (requiring special attention concerning weed killer in "the Grenelle de l'environnement" framework). Due to the sensitivity of the farm’s plot locations, the farmer decided to apply for agri-environment payments, in order to reduce the use of pesticides on his farm and consequently contribute to the reduction of pesticide residue in the water.

The objective of the project is to gradually reduce the use of some pesticides so that quantities used in the area are 40% lower than the quantities usually recorded within the watershed territory. The aim is to complete this within 5 years and have it observed with the treatment frequency index (TFI), corresponding to a number of registered rates of product per hectare.

The farm’s plots deemed to be ‘at risk’ were identified (based on a diagnosis carried out by the Chamber of Agriculture). In 2009, the farm started the process of reducing pesticides on 53 hectares of land (receiving support of €88 / ha/year). At the end of each production season, an authorized technician produces a balance sheet, which permits the calculation of the indicators, identifies and quantifies problems encountered. Then an action plan is developed and proposed for the following year.

The yearly balance sheet shows that the farm achieved the target TFI in both 2009 and 2012. In doing so, hoeing was systematized to compensate for corn weeding. From 2010, 80 % of the plots were hoed. A problem with bindweed is still persistent. Thus overall the agri-environmental benefits are achieve in years when the TFI target is reached. But it is a qualified success with farming practices still needing to be further improved. (A possible solution to the bindweed problem could be achieved.)

The support and training organised for farmers proved to be very useful in assisting the exchange and dissemination of experience and knowledge from technical advisers to farmers. This in turn underpinned the successful technical delivery of the project. Solutions to the technical difficulties related to climate and the bindweed control are being developed. Some problems with administrative controls were also identified.

Rennes, Bretagne

Bretagne

Hexagone

23 320

12 826

10 494

https://www.draaf.bretagne.agriculture.gouv.fr/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=232

David Bouillé

david.bouille@ille-et-vilaine.chambagri.fr

+33 02 99092331

French