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Reducing pesticide run-off to water systems 
Dec. 16, 2008
ECPA and its partners have already begun the follow up phase to build on the TOPPS accomplishments and tackle diffuse sources from crop pest treatment.
“Training farmers in the way they use crop protection products and equipment is the best way to reduce water contamination,” said project chairman Philippe Costrop, “Over the past three years we trained more than 4,500 farmers and advisers across the EU, from Portugal to Poland, in best management practices for handling, spraying and storing pesticides.”
Most importantly, we have also demonstrated clear improvements in farmer awareness of the importance of point sources, and of positive changes in practices.
"The TOPPS project contributes to achieving the sustainable use of pesticides at the EU level by providing valuable input on environmental protection requirements for the machinery used for pesticide application and concrete use recommendations to farmers,” said Chantal Bruetschy Head of Unit Biotechnology, pesticides and health in DG Environment.
The end objective is to ensure that in the long run there will be a considerable reduction in pesticides concentration in surface water. Since the start of the project in November 2005, the TOPPS consortium has organised courses for farmers in ten demonstration farms across the EU, helping to create awareness of the need for water protection and contributing to the correct use of pesticides.
Farmers and pesticide applicators are eager to get this information and we will disseminate, train and monitor to encourage the fullest possible adoption of the methods.
“The TOPPS program has changed the way I handle my plant protection products because it is practical and specific,” commented Belgian farmer Guido Lammerant. Protecting our water systems is essential and I do everything I can to ensure that in my operation.
Water protection is a top concern for the crop protection industry, added Friedhelm Schmider, Director General of ECPA. Our industry will keep working with all stakeholders to improve water protection in Europe. TOPPS is an important milestone on the way to improving water quality.
This process of adoption will continue with industry working within the partnership networks created by the project, added Costrop.
Source: ECPA
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