New Measures to reduce nitrate pollution in groundwater
Germany's Farmers are facing new rules on fertilization aimed at reducing nitrate pollution of groundwater. The Bundestag recently passed a change to the law that will allow the verification and evaluation of fertilization data from agricultural holdings. This measure is intended to make it possible to identify farmers who do not pollute water and to grant them certain relief when it comes to fertilization. However, the Bundesrat must also agree before the change to the law takes effect.
Background and reactions to the change in the law
This reform is driven by long-standing disputes with the EU Commission, which is threatening Germany with fines due to excessive nitrate levels in groundwater. While Julia Verlinden of the Greens praises the change in the law as a significant step towards sustainable agricultural policy, CSU MP Max Straubinger expresses concerns about the supposed bureaucratic burden for farmers.
Approval and reactions at political level
The Association of Municipal Utilities (VKU), whose members supply the majority of the German population with drinking water, welcomes the Parliament's decision. VKU Vice President Karsten Specht stresses the importance of a significant reduction in nitrate inputs in order to ensure the long-term protection of drinking water resources.
Source: nachrichten.ag
