The second programme for agricultural pollution control is mobilised as a priority for farms located in a Vulnerable Zone (ZV); this programme therefore contributes to regaining control over and preservation of water quality.

Stock rearing farms are subject, within the framework of their activities, to an obligation of complying with statutory instructions: in terms of distance of location of rearing units, in terms of effluent storage and spreading methods.

Depending on the size and type of farm, the County Sanitary Regulations (RSD) or regulations governing installations classified for environmental protection (ICPE) apply to the farm.

The second programme for agricultural pollution control allows farmers, after works have been completed, to comply with these national regulations. Moreover, for farms located in Vulnerable Zones (ZV), the PMPOA 2 gives farmers the possibility of complying with the demands of local programmes established in application of the “nitrates” directive.

The principle of conditionality of grants in the first pillar of the CAP came into application on 1st January 2005.

Obligations linked to directive 91/976/EEC “nitrates” must be applied by farmersvalorising agricultural land located in a Vulnerable Zone.

Failure to comply with some of these measures may lead to a rebate of grants in the first pillar of the CAP.

Farmers committed to asecond programme for agricultural pollution control approach benefit from specific deadlines of which account has been taken in the definition of control points linked to the “nitrates” conditionality.

The second programme for agricultural pollution control is a tool that enables farmers to meet the “nitrates” conditionality of CAP grants.

Preliminary requirement: farmers had to declare their intention to join this programme before 31st December 2002 (Declaration of Intention to Commit: DIE) with the exception of young farmers who have set up since 31st December 2002 using national installation grants.

A national priority and a European requirement:all farmers located in Vulnerable Zones (ZV) are eligible for the PMPOA 2, subject to the DIE having been made. Outside ZV, you may be eligible for the programme subject to certain conditions (zoning, size of the farm).

A programme subject to time restrictions: in Vulnerable Zones, all files requesting finance should have received notification of subsidy before 31st December 2006. After this date, requests for investments to bring facilities up to standard in terms of stock rearing effluent can no longer receive public assistance.

A programme directed towards improvements in agricultural methods: the agricultural project is the key element in the finance application file. It is used to establish a precise diagnostic of the farmer’scurrent practices, to set points for improvement with a view to ensuring better management of nitrate-base fertilisation. All the necessary studies – including the agricultural project – are 100% financed up to a ceiling amount that can reach 2,680 euros.

A wide range of eligible investments: assisted equipment is, specifically, storage of liquid manure, manure heaps, renewal of concreted areas, guttering, used and rain water networks, the covering of storage areas, the covering of exercise areas under certain conditions, some mechanisms for the treatment of light effluent, spreading tables, ploughing in of liquid manure, pumps, etc,...

Major grants and the mobilisation of considerable financial resources: since the start of the second programme (2002), subsidies have been, on average, 18,000 euros. This is supplied half by the State and territorial authorities and the other half by water boards.

Mechanism that is simplified in terms of implementation: County Divisions for Agriculture and the Forest(DDAF) are the sole officesfor the deposition and examination of files (for the county of Calvados: General Council). Only one file is required for all sources of finance (Water Board, Territorial Authorities, State).

Are you wondering whether it would be right for you to make a commitment? Do you want to get a better grasp of your farm’s position? A tool has been set up for you: the preliminary study.

Before making a final commitment to this programme after submitting your DIE, you have the possibility of carrying out a preliminary study(1): this is an analysis of the position of your farm in terms of compliance with standards, the type and scale of works to be undertaken and your financial capacity.

This preliminary study can be covered 100% up to a ceiling amount of 670 euros.

(1) : available in some counties : contact the County Division for Agriculture and the Forest (DDAF).