Subsidies for farmers to invest in clean and enough water
The province of Groningen, in collaboration with Noorderzijlvest Water Authority , is making Noorderzijlvest Water Authority 1 million euros in subsidies available to farmers so they can invest in improving surface water quality and in retaining rainwater on agricultural land. The subsidy will go toward the project “Implementation Incentive for Water and Soil Quality,” through which LTO Noord advises and guides farmers in making appropriate investments. This applies to farmers in the Groningen area covered by Noorderzijlvest Water Authority.
Climate change
LTO Noord will launch the project in September. Farmers will then be able to register with LTO Noord and apply for grants for measures that reduce the runoff of pesticides and nutrients into surface water. This will result in cleaner surface water. In addition, the subsidy is available for investments that help mitigate the effects of climate change. By retaining rainwater during periods of prolonged rainfall, dry spells can be bridged.
Guidance
An area coordinator from LTO Noord will advise farmers on how to combine their wishes, plans, and measures. Links will also be made with ongoing projects, such as Schoon Erf (Clean Farmyard), Schoon Water (Clean Water), Spaarbodem (Retentive Soil), Trijntje, and Weide en Water (Pasture and Water). There is room for 40 advisory visits to identify farmers' needs and determine promising measures at the farm level. The area coordinator will also provide support in applying for subsidies.
Investments
As part of this project, funding is also available for at least 110 farmers who are able to make actual investments in materials, machinery, or soil. These investments will result in:
- healthier and more fertile soil (including organic matter, soil structure, and the use of non-inversion tillage);
- precision agriculture (including GPS technology and soil scanning);
- improved water management (including water-level-controlled drainage and small farm weirs);
- less runoff (wastewater treatment systems and collection of juices from roughage storage);
- less runoff of pesticides (including spraying techniques that prevent pesticides from being blown away).
Collaboration
The granting of subsidies stems from agreements set forth in the national Delta Plan for Agricultural Water Management. Under this plan, provinces, water boards, LTO Noord, and agricultural cooperatives work closely together to help participating farmers achieve their goals. This broad-based collaboration plays a key role in the success of the projects.
Applications and Information
- More information about the Delta Plan for Agricultural Water Management can be found on the Delta Plan for Agricultural Water Management website: agrarischwaterbeheer.nl