Bentazon: stricter measures due to water pollution in Flanders

20 November 2024

In both Belgium and the Netherlands, there are strict regulations around the use of bentazon. This is a herbicide used to control weeds, especially in crops such as beans and peas. Due to recently published studies showing that the measures in Flanders have insufficient effect, the rules have been tightened in Belgium as of 2024. The rules relate primarily to the protection of the environment, particularly the quality of ground and surface water. While the basic principles of the legislation are similar in both countries, there are some specific differences that are explained below.

(Tightened) legislation in Belgium

In Belgium, the use of plant protection products such as bentazone is regulated by several government agencies, including the Federal Public Service of Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment (FPS Public Health) and regional environmental agencies. The main regulations surrounding bentazon are:

Restricted use: Bentazon may only be used on plots where it has been determined that there is no risk of leaching to groundwater. This means that farmers must ensure that their soil contains sufficient organic matter, which can reduce leaching.
Buffer zones: There is a mandatory buffer zone of at least 5 meters around surface water. In addition, techniques must be implemented to reduce pesticide drift (the unintended drift of spray mist) by at least 75%.
Distance from watercourses: Crops treated with bentazon must be sown at least 5 meters away from watercourses.
Water catchment areas: The use of bentazon is prohibited in water catchment areas used for the production of drinking water. Farmers are required to check if their plot is in such an area.
Registration requirement: Plots on which bentazon is used must be registered. Only registered farmers may purchase and use bentazon.

If water quality does not improve during 2024, the use of bentazon may be completely banned in Belgium.

Legislation in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the use of plant protection products, including bentazon, is regulated by the Board for the Authorization of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (CTGB). The Dutch rules are as follows:

Water protection: Bentazon may only be used on plots of land where there is no risk of contamination of ground and surface water. As in Belgium, measures are taken to prevent leaching, such as using soils with sufficient organic matter.
Drift control: There are strict rules for applying drift control techniques. This includes using specific nozzles and maintaining buffer zones around watercourses.
Buffer zones: As in Belgium, the Netherlands has a mandatory buffer zone of at least 5 meters along watercourses and water bodies to reduce the risk of surface water contamination.
Prohibition in water catchment areas: The use of bentazon is prohibited in water catchment areas where drinking water is extracted, to prevent the pollution of groundwater.
Monitoring and reassessment: In the Netherlands, the use of bentazon is regularly assessed based on monitoring data. If bentazon is found to pose too great a risk to water quality, the authorization may be adjusted or withdrawn.

Comparison between Belgium and the Netherlands.

Buffer zones and distance from watercourses: both countries apply a buffer zone of 5 meters around watercourses and there are obligations to apply drift-reducing techniques.

Water catchment areas: In both Belgium and the Netherlands, the use of bentazon in water catchment areas is prohibited to protect drinking water supplies.
Leaching restrictions: Both countries emphasize preventing leaching to groundwater, with specific requirements such as controlling soil organic matter.
Registration requirements: In Belgium, plots must be registered in order to use bentazon, while in the Netherlands this is controlled primarily through strict permitting rules and compliance with application requirements.
Future restrictions: Belgium has clearly stated that if water quality does not improve by 2024, the use of bentazon may be completely banned. The Netherlands follows a similar line of reassessment, but there is no explicit deadline (for now).

Conclusion

In both Belgium and the Netherlands, legislation around the use of bentazon is strict, with a strong emphasis on water protection. Although the rules are largely similar in both countries, the emphasis in Belgium is somewhat more on mandatory registration of plots, while the Netherlands is mainly committed to monitoring and reassessment by the CTGB. Both countries may further restrict the use of bentazon if water quality does not improve.

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