Administrative agreement on Delta Plan for Agricultural Water Management extended
The province of Drenthe and the four water boards—Hunze en Aa’s, Noorderzijlvest, Drents Overijsselse Delta, and Vechtstromen—are working together to improve water quality and quantity and ensure the right amount of water is in the right place. Agreements on this matter are laid out in the Delta Plan for Agricultural Water Management (DAW) 2021-2022 administrative agreement. It was signed by the parties involved on Friday, October 15.
The core principle of the Delta Plan for Agricultural Water Management is that the agricultural and horticultural sectors themselves take the initiative to develop and implement projects that contribute to a sustainable water system linked to sustainable business development. In doing so, businesses are supported with expertise and a DAW subsidy from the province and the water boards. In total, there are 22 projects involving 930 agricultural entrepreneurs. The signing of the DAW agreement marks a two-year extension, until the new Common Agricultural Policy is in place. A new feature compared to the previous 2016–2020 period is that, in addition to ensuring good water quality, extra attention is being paid to combating drought.
Below are a few projects from DAW
Field Edges and Spraying Techniques in Drentsche Aa
In the Drentsche Aa plot-level emissions project, the impact of pesticides on surface water is a central theme. Through the creation of field margins, modified spraying techniques, and soil management measures, the impact on surface water has decreased.
Laundry Room 2.0
A new washing station for agricultural equipment has been set up in Wapse. Farmers can now clean their machinery at the station and no longer have to do so on their own property. This new washing station helps prevent pesticides from entering surface water.
Innovative sensors in Zeijen
In the Zeijen agricultural district, innovative sensors are being used to better manage both water quality and water quantity. This enables each farm to realised optimal water management.
Area-Based Approach for Southeast Drenthe and Nieuwe Drostendiep
In southeastern Drenthe, farmers can have a farm assessment conducted, resulting in recommendations regarding soil and water management. This is intended to support investments in improvement measures. In the Coevorden area, a dairy farmer had an assessment conducted to find a solution to his farm’s vulnerability to drought. Installing a weir combination with water-level-controlled drainage and locally improving the soil structure proved to be the best solution.
Signing of the Management Agreement (DAW) for 2021–2022
The signing ceremony took place at the G.K. Brink and E. Brink Rozenveld partnership in Zeijen. Here, the sensor project—which collects real-time data—has proven successful in improving water quality.
