De Drieban Polder Area Plan Process Completed

In recent months, LTO Noord, KAVB, the Province of North Holland, and the Hollands Noorderkwartier Water Board (HHNK) have jointly made preparations to launch a regional process in the De Drieban polder. However, recent measurements show a decrease in the levels of most of the previously identified instances where permitted crop protection products exceeded the standards. As a result, a large portion of the instances where permitted crop protection products exceeded the standards are no longer being detected, which is a positive development.

Focus on water quality continues

This means the original reason for launching a regional planning process in De Drieban no longer applies. The parties involved have therefore decided not to continue the regional process. Jos Beemsterboer, portfolio holder for integrated water management in rural areas: “Of course, HHNK will continue to monitor water quality trends and instances where levels of chemicals and crop protection products exceed standards in De Drieban. This allows us to keep track of the situation and take action again if necessary.”

Joint Approach

The regional process was initiated in response to previously detected instances of levels of approved crop protection products and several other chemicals in surface water exceeding regulatory limits. A regional process is a collaborative approach in which government agencies and regional partners, such as agricultural businesses, work together to improve water quality, among other things. This involves identifying the causes of exceedances and exploring and implementing measures tailored to the specific region.

Support for Entrepreneurs

Agricultural entrepreneurs in the De Drieban polder, and elsewhere in North Holland, can continue to access support through the North Holland Agriculture Portal at . This includes, among other things, free coaching and advice on how to further reduce emissions of nutrients and crop protection products into surface water.