Decrease in use of chemicals

In 2016, the agricultural sector in the Netherlands used about 5,7 million kilos of chemical plant protection products. That is more than 3,5% less than in 2012. This is evident from figures from Statistics Netherlands.

The figures show that the dosage per hectare has increased by 0,2 kilos (+2%) to 8 kilos per hectare. This is mainly due to a shift to more pesticides in more intensive crops (such as lilies and tulips) and less pesticides on smaller areas, such as maize and wheat.

Less due to organic
The area on which chemical plant protection products are used has decreased by 5%. "About 40.000 hectares less has been sprayed compared to 2012. This is mainly due to the increased area of ​​organic farming", says Cor Pierik, agriculture spokesman at CBS.

Mainly the amount of pesticides for weeds and haulm killing has decreased (-15%). Most products are still used to combat fungi and bacteria, although their use has also decreased by 3%.

Use in potatoes 
The use of various insecticides decreased by 2016% in 26. Only the use of the means for growth regulation and sprout inhibition increased. Arable farmers used almost 2016 million kilos of crop protection products in 3,6. The largest part (40%, or 2,3 million kilos) was used in the potatoes.

In general terms, this is good news, according to Pierik: "However, if you want to look at the environmental impact, then all the different resources have to be assessed. This is because there is a big difference between the impact of the resources."

Anne-Jan Doorn

Anne Jan Doorn is an arable expert at Boerenbusiness. He writes about the various arable farming markets and also focuses on the land and energy market.

aj.doorn@boerenbusiness. Nl

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