'Limiting emissions is important for arable farmers'

There are many concerns in arable farming about the shrinking crop protection product range. When authorizing products, among other things, the extent to which the active substances end up in the environment is considered. Significant steps have already been taken in the area of ​​emission reduction, but there is still considerable improvement to be achieved among arable farmers. This is apparent from research carried out by AgriDirect on behalf of BO Akkerbouw.

The vast majority of arable farmers are already taking measures against unwanted emissions of PPPs. This mainly happens during spraying. Drift-reducing nozzles and side nozzles are used. The mandatory cultivation-free zone also contributes to this.

Inheritance is currently the neglected child. Less than 5% of arable farmers take measures against farm emissions, the study shows, even though this is the main emission route. It is estimated that inheritance emissions account for 50% of the total emissions. Drift and plot emission score lower with approximately 15% and 35% respectively.

Permissions at risk
According to the reports of the National Monitoring Network for Crop Protection Products for Agriculture and Horticulture, arable farming still too often causes overrides of standards. This requires an extra effort from the sector. Exceeding standards not only lead to damage to the environment, but also to restrictions on substance use. These may be additional requirements for drift reduction or an enlarged cultivation-free zone, but it can also result in the authorization of a product being withdrawn. It is therefore of great importance, also for the individual arable farmer, to take measures against emissions where possible.

CLM, on behalf of the steering committee of the Plant Health Action Plan, drew up a top 10 of measures against inheritance emissions together. This provides practical tools to arable farmers. It mainly concerns practical measures. This includes preventing the leakage of agents during filling, storing the field sprayer and boxes under cover and the use of a washing area with a purification system.

Jurphaas Lugtenburg

Is editor at Boerenbusiness and focuses mainly on the arable farming sectors and the feed and energy market. Jurphaas also has an arable farm in Voorne-Putten (South Holland). Every week he presents the Market Flash Grains

j.lugtenburg @boerenbusiness. Nl

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