Farmers and horticulturalists invest in soil and water quality

The project “Implementation Incentive for Soil and Water Quality” is showing promising results. The project aims to improve soil and water quality in Groningen. A total of 166 farmers and horticulturalists have invested in sustainable measures. LTO Noord has summarised these summarised a fact sheet.

Fact Sheet: "Implementation Incentive for Soil and Water Quality"

For farmers and gardeners, investing in measures to improve soil and water quality is costly and does not yield immediate returns. By participating in the subsidy program, farmers and gardeners have been able to use the subsidy to implement these measures. These measures improve soil and water quality and contribute to a sustainable future for us all.

If for any reason you are unable to view the fact sheet, or if you have any questions regarding the document, please send an email to info@noorderzijlvest.nl

Joint initiative

The project is a joint initiative of the water authority , the Province of Groningen, and LTO Noord. For farmers and horticulturists, investing in measures to improve soil and water quality is costly and not immediately profitable. The project encourages farmers and horticulturists to invest in sustainable measures by providing them with financial support.

Positive results

Tjeerd Hoekstra, project manager at LTO Noord, is optimistic about the project’s results: “The results show that farmers and horticulturalists are willing to invest heavily in making their businesses future-proof. However, securing the necessary funding can be a challenge. That’s where subsidies come in and help make these projects feasible.”

160 sustainability measures

These investments have led to the implementation of 160 sustainable measures. Precision fertilization was the area that generated the most interest. This was followed by the combination of a hoe and weed cutter with a strip tiller paired with a seeder. Dairy farmers have also invested heavily in collection systems for pressed juices. A clear summary of these measures is available in the LTO Noord fact sheet.

Delta Plan for Agricultural Water Management

The subsidy program “Implementation Incentive for Soil and Water Quality” is part of the Delta Plan for Agricultural Water Management (DAW). The DAW is working to address water-related challenges in agricultural areas. It does this, among other things, by promoting knowledge sharing through projects and fostering collaboration between water authority farmers.

Clean and healthy water

Agriculture and clean water are inseparable. Many farmers are already working hard to ensure cleaner water. There are important regulations for the agricultural sector.