Adoption of water management plan

The water management plan for the Vilaine Basin has been finally adopted after a long and difficult process, with a key measure to protect drinking water by prohibiting herbicides on certain maize fields near water sources. The revised version of the water development and management plan (SAGE) for the Vilaine was approved by the Local Water Committee (CLE) with 45 votes in favor and 18 against, after four years of turbulent consultations.

Scope of the water management plan

The plan aims to protect drinking water and preserve aquatic environments in the Vilaine catchment area, which covers 1.3 million people and 11,000 km². A key measure, which faced the most opposition, is the prohibition of herbicides on erosion-prone maize fields that pose a risk of contaminating priority water abstraction areas, covering about 1.5% of the agricultural area in the basin.

Reactions from local leaders

Nathalie Appéré, president of Rennes metropolitan area, expressed pride that the territory is becoming a pioneer in introducing a ban on synthetic pesticides in a SAGE, hoping the plan will inspire other catchment areas in France. Ludovic Brossard, newly appointed president of the CLE, acknowledged the compromise reached, emphasizing the importance of protecting water quality and public health.

Support for farmers

Ludovic Brossard mentioned that payments for environmental services will be introduced to help farmers transition away from synthetic herbicides. The new strategy also includes measures to protect wetlands, preserve watercourses, protect hedges, and reduce flood risks.

Challenges during the process

The process of reaching a compromise faced many obstacles, including opposition from the National Federation of Agricultural Workers' Unions (FNSEA) and the government. In March 2025, the SAGE project was largely adopted by the CLE members before public consultation, but a meeting in December 2025 was blocked by the FNSEA and other agricultural groups.

Impact of government intervention

The project faced a significant setback when Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu imposed a national moratorium on water policy decisions in January 2026, preventing the final adoption of the Vilaine SAGE. Despite its approval, the FNSEA may still challenge the plan legally.

Next steps for implementation

The Territorial Basin Public Establishment (EPTB) Eaux & Vilaine noted that the approval of the revised SAGE opens a new phase of implementing the plan's goals. The plan will need a prefectural decree and must align with the so-called agricultural emergency law passed this summer.