Environmental program expansion

Grand Poitiers is expanding an environmental service payment (PSE) program to involve more farmers in two key water supply areas. The goal is to improve water quality by reducing pollution from nitrates and pesticides, which often come from agricultural runoff.

Key water sources under focus

The Fleury and La Varenne water intakes supply nearly 80% of the drinking water for Grand Poitiers. These areas are closely monitored for water quality, making them critical for the region's environmental and public health strategies.

Limited success in initial program

A pilot PSE program started in 2022 in the Fleury catchment area (AAC) saw limited participation. Out of about twenty farmers who responded, only three committed to the program. Some were hindered by conflicts with existing agricultural environmental schemes or requirements for the Haie label, which altered their usual farming practices.

New program with broader scope

To address these issues, Grand Poitiers is launching a new PSE program with a broader framework. It will cover the Fleury AAC and certain priority areas of the larger La Varenne AAC, involving 1,700 farms. The goal is to engage 40 farms and around 2,400 hectares across both areas.

Three pillars for environmental improvement

The new program focuses on three main strategies: soil coverage through intercropping and planting perennial crops, reducing inputs like mineral nitrogen and herbicides, and diversifying crop rotations with legumes and low-input crops. Farmers can choose measures based on their farm's needs, with specific support for hemp cultivation.

Financial support and funding

To overcome previous challenges, the program combines PSE with direct aid. Some measures, like creating pastures, will be fully funded by the community starting in 2027. Other changes in farming systems can be covered by a new PSE. Compensation is limited to areas within the AAC to ensure funding focuses on critical water quality zones.

Funding and collaboration

Grand Poitiers plans to respond to a call for projects by the Loire-Bretagne Water Agency, with a total estimated cost of 2.5 million euros over six years. The community will cover 1.8 million euros and is seeking private partners like cooperatives to help finance the program and develop local markets for crops like hemp.

Previous PSE program structure

The first PSE in the Fleury AAC lasted five years and involved farmers defining a path for improving their practices. Compensation was based on measurable results across five indicators, including soil coverage, nitrogen residue, and herbicide use. Farmers chose which indicators they would focus on, with annual evaluations determining aid amounts.