Perpignan Méditerranée Métropole is the contracting authority for 9 priority water catchments and runs 6 action programs to recover and preserve drinking water resources.

The actions carried out with the agricultural sector allow to accompany the farmers in the change of practices in order to limit the diffuse pollution due to the use of phytosanitary products.

The visit of a farm involved in the PSE took place this Tuesday, November 29 in the commune of Espira de l'Agly. Vincent Banyuls, a committed farmer, gave a tour of his farm and shared his experience and practices in favor of the environment and water resources.

Perpignan Méditerranée Métropole was selected in 2020 for a call for applications for a Payment for Environmental Services (PES) scheme proposed by the Water Agency.

The project for the implementation of this system, carried out by the animation of priority catchments, has allowed 57 farmers on 1348 ha of the territory to sign a contract in the areas with high water issues. The Water Agency finances 70% of the animation of the device and 100% of a budget of 1 174 530 € which will be redistributed by Perpignan Méditerranée Métropole to the farmers during the 5 years of commitment.

 

Jean-Marie MAROT, elected representative for viticulture and holder of the PES and Mr. Michael BALAY Head of the Aude Roussillon AERMC Delegation of Montpellier (funder), signed an agreement for the implementation of the "Payments for Environmental Services" in the presence of representatives of the agricultural and viticulture sector, the Chamber of Agriculture Pyrénées-Orientales represented by Denis SURJUS and the Federation of Independent Winegrowers represented by its President Guy JAUBERT.