The European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) has today (22 March) recognised the united Nations' annual World Water Day, a date designed to highlight the importance of freshwater and the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
In a news release, ECPA noted that its member understand the importance of minimising water pollution to the future of agriculture, with the world population growing and land for farming, as well as water for crops, becoming scarcer.
'In fact, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development estimates that 69 per cent of worldwide available fresh water is used for irrigation,' ECPA said.
To demonstrate its commitment to the protection of clean water, ECPA launched earlier this year its €2m TOPPS-Prowadis initiative, designed to help farmers, advisors, land managers and pesticide operators to reduce farm runoff pollution.
The initiative allows industry stakeholders to experience first-hand demonstrations of best practices diagnosing, managing and minimising water pollution including pesticide runoff and other diffuse sources.
