Development and implementation of a policy for reduced agrochemical and nutrient emission from the agriculture to surface water in the western part of The Netherlands

The water authority “Hollandse Eilanden en Waarden” (HEW) is responsible for the quality of the surface water in the western region of The Netherlands. In this area the reduction of emissions of agrochemicals and nutrients from agriculture and horticulture to surface waters is one of the main priorities in the strategy to reduce the discharge from non-point sources. Because of the area and the relatively intensive use of chemicals for crop protection arable farming and the field production of vegetables are the major source of diffuse pollution by agrochemicals and nutrients in the management area of HEW. This paper gives an overview of the research programme carried out to investigate the different emission routes from arable farming and the field production of vegetables. Based on the results of this research programme a special programme “PAREL” was developed and implemented in 1997. The name PAREL (pearl in English) stands for ‘plan for reduction of emission from agriculture’. This plan was developed and implemented in close cooperation with the farmers' organizations. This initiative of HEW was accepted by the other water authorities in the western part of The Netheriands. For the implementation period a special treaty was signed in 1997 between the agricultural sector and these water authorities. The PAREL policy is a combination of regulation and advice (good housekeeping) aimed at reducing the emission of agrochemicals and nutrients to surface waters from agricultural activities.