Baza danych projektów PROW
Using Agri-Environment Payments to Reduce the Use of Pesticides
Summary
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.
Background
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.
Objective
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.
Main activities
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.
Results & Benefits
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.)
Lessons learnt
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.
Project location and other information
Rennes, Bretagne
Region
Bretagne
RDP Territory
Hexagone
Total project cost (€)
23 320
EAFRD contribution (€)
12 826
National contribution (€)
10 494
Contact name
David Bouillé
Telephone
+33 02 99092331
Languages for contact
French
At a glance
Country
France
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers
Budget range
€20 000 - €99 999
Start date:
01/01/2009
End Date:
31/12/2013
Theme / Measure:
Environment and Sustainable Resource Management
Sustainable use of agricultural land
214. Agri-environment payments
Keywords:
Agri-environment, Environmental impact, Environmental management, Water
Last update
13/05/2014