Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR
Improving Groundwater Protection through the LEADER Approach
Summary
This LEADER project brings together hop growers, a water users association, as well as experts from both public and private sectors to find new and innovative ways to adapt hop production to the Water Framework Directive and to meet water protection
Background
The Hallertau region in Bavaria is the most important hop growing area in Germany. Hop production has very intensive fertiliser and plant protection use, and the regulations implementing the Water Framework Directive (WFD) are strict and demanding. There has been a lack of general and scientific information about the environmental impacts of different growing strategies in hop growing regions of Germany. Farmers required assistance to adapt their hop production to the requirements of the WFD.
Objective
The main objective of the project was to help farmers adapt their production systems to meet the WFD requirements in order to improve the quality of water and strengthen the water quality management.
Main activities
The main activity is to gather information about the different hop growing strategies to develop new approaches to help farmers meet WFD objectives. The project was developed by the land management organisation, the regional water users association and the hop farmers association.
Results & Benefits
Data collection is ongoing, and their analysis will help authorities to inform farmers about more efficient agricultural and environmental management options. The expected results are: i) a greater understanding of WFD requirements in the Hallertau region; ii) the development and implementation of growing strategies that will not only protect the environment but also enhance the plant quality production.
Lessons learnt
Stakeholders are now better informed on hop crops’ environmental impacts and their different production strategies. Similar projects, combining agricultural and environmental issues and financed by EAFRD and/or national funding sources, can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of support activities to improve the quality of water and protect the environment.
Project location and other information
Hallertau, Bavaria
Region
Bayern
RDP Territory
Bavaria
Total project cost (€)
223 000
EAFRD contribution (€)
94 000
Private contribution (€)
129 000
Contact name
Alois Siebler and Klaus Amann
Telephone
Alois Siebler +49 (0) 8752 8 68 59 12; Klaus Amann +49 (0) 9441 207 358
Languages for contact
English, German
At a glance
Country
Germany
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
01/01/2009
End Date:
31/12/2014
Theme / Measure:
Implementing the LEADER Approach
Implementing local development strategies
412. Environment/land management
Keywords:
Agricultural method, Land use management, Environmental impact, Environmental management, Water
Last update
27/05/2013