In recent years, the agricultural sector has made significant strides in water treatment, conservation, and reuse. In greenhouse horticulture in particular, discharges containing pesticide residues have decreased since 2018 through the use of individual (BZG-certified) or collective water treatment systems. The basis of this approach is the Water Framework Directive (WFD), with the year 2027 serving as a key milestone and the reuse and circulation of water becoming the norm.

However, the current status of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) with a view to 2027 is a matter of urgency. Although water quality is improving, the Netherlands is not expected to fully meet the 2027 targets for the chemical and ecological status of water. For the agricultural sector, this means that the pressure to take measures to reduce nutrients (nitrogen/phosphate) and pesticides is increasing dramatically, comparable to the nitrogen crisis.

Key Points: Current Status (2025/2026)

• Targets are not yet in sight: For a very large proportion of water bodies, the targets for the end of 2027 are not yet in sight. The Rli (Council for the Environment and Infrastructure) has previously warned that current policies are insufficient.
• Agricultural emissions: At about half of the monitoring sites, concentrations of fertilizers and pesticides are found to be too high. This is a major cause of poor water quality.
• Stepping up measures: Every effort is being made through a national WFD stimulus program and regional initiatives (including in Brabant, Utrecht, and South Holland) to accelerate improvements in water quality.
• Permits: Permits are being made "WFD-compliant," which means that agricultural discharges will be subject to stricter scrutiny.

What does this mean for the agricultural sector?

The agricultural sector faces a major challenge, particularly in reducing nitrogen, phosphorus, and pesticides in water.

• Crop protection: The government is working to bring the authorization of 11 active ingredients that exceed the standards set by the Water Framework Directive into compliance.
• Buffer strips: The mandatory establishment of buffer strips along waterways is an important measure to prevent the runoff of manure and pesticides.
• Dredging Management: Research into water-quality dredging (dredging to remove pollution) is being stepped up, which may have implications for farmers’ ditch maintenance.
• Fertilizer policy: Tightening the Nitrate Action Program (NAP) is part of the approach.

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Conclusion

The "stick" is significant, because failing to meet the targets could lead to legal obstacles (water is the new nitrogen). The coming years up to 2027 will be marked by maximum efforts, followed by an evaluation of the achieved status. It appears that an integrated approach will be most effective. This requires consideration of the source, but also of treatment methods, which in some cases must consist of multiple techniques. Above all, the approach is tailored to each individual case, requiring the collaboration of multiple disciplines.

Facing a challenge with this approach? Our experts at Agrozone and Aurora Group are here to help!