The Spaarwater project develops freshwater measures for farmers. In order to scale up these measures, a participative process was launched in the Wadden Sea region together with local farmers and policy makers (provinces and water boards). This process explores the chances of success for the various systems. Opportunity maps of the Spaarwater measures have been developed for the entire region. In addition, the impact of measures on the regional water system is charted.
Using this knowledge base as a foundation, the next step is to develop strategies that enjoy regional support in conjunction with the parties involved. This will result in guidelines for policy makers on optimal ways of giving substance to regional policy objectives for both nature and agriculture, and provides insight into the physical and economic effects of the measures. Farmers in the Wadden Sea region are provided with insight into promising applications of the Spaarwater measures on their land.
Spaarwater – economic feasibility
Within the Spaarwater project, the feasibility of freshwater techniques is researched on two separate levels: in the form of a business case at company level, and by means of a social cost-benefit analysis on a regional level. Farmers benefit directly from the freshwater measures. They see their revenues increase, there is more stability in operations and they need less fertilizer. In addition, the measures contribute to the water quality and the need for flushing in the regional water system.
This project sheds light on the costs and benefits of the three Spaarwater measures (underground storage of the plot’s own water, system-oriented drainage and drip irrigation). In cooperation with Wageningen Economic Research, the results of the pilot projects are combined with a detailed analysis of the effects of water shortage on crop yields. This provides insight into the feasibility of freshwater measures and possible incentive schemes.
