German water and wastewater association promotes organic farming

The Deutsche Vereinigung für Wasserwirtschaft (DWA), a politically and economically independent association committed to sustainable water management and the promotion of research and development, is supporting the German government’s goal of increasing organic farming. The DWA, an important German lobby organisation with 13, 500 Members, believes that this is necessary to save both surface and groundwater bodies.

Watercourses and groundwater in Germany are in some cases heavily polluted with nitrates and pesticides. Despite major efforts, including cooperation between the water sector and agriculture, and changes in fertilizer and plant protection regulations, no clear positive development is yet visible. Agriculture remains the main source of nitrates and pesticides in Germany’s water. With the impact of climate change on precipitation, it is becoming increasingly important to promote water-friendly organic farming. The DWA supports the government’s goal of strongly promoting organic farming, the water association writes in a press release.

Organic farming and water protection

The DWA has presented the publication ‘Organic Agriculture and Water Protection’ together with the German Association of Gas and Water (DVGW). The publication contains concrete recommendations for how organic agriculture can protect water while remaining economically sustainable for farmers. There is both an ecological and political need for action, especially since the EU has criticized Germany for failing to comply with the Nitrates Directive, the industry association believes. According to the DWA, voluntary groundwater protection programs are reaching their financial limits and are not sufficient to deal with the problem. Furthermore, phosphorus emissions into surface water are not taken into account in these programs.

Content of the paper

The thematic paper, that can be bought in the DWA-shop, is aimed at the water sector, authorities and advisors. It contains detailed explanations on water protection in organic farming, an in-depth analysis of nitrates balances, an overview of current support measures and practical examples from the field.

This article was published first on the Swedish platform for water professionals cirkulation.se