What does the Mestbank do?
The Mestbank helps farmers to fulfil their obligations and guides them to more environmentally friendly management, as a partner. By building a bridge between legislators and farmers, the Mestbank is working for better water quality and a more sustainable agriculture. Together with the sector and with each farmer and market gardener.
The Mestbank informs, heightens awareness and advises about the application of the manure legislation. This is not something superfluous since the Manure Decree is a complex piece of legislation. Many farmers need explanation and especially clarification tailored to their business. Our employees are busy on a daily basis to counsel farmers. They are aware of the problems and help the farmers with information that is focused on the situation and needs of their business. The right information, at the right moment and in the right way: this is how business managers are able to make the right decisions that suit their business management.
The Mestbank plays an important role in the preparation and implementation of control programs. They aim for a fair and correct enforcement: after all, the legislation can only bear fruit if offenders are punished. They therefore consider their control task as the final piece of a transparent and result-oriented Manure Decree. They are committed to raising awareness among farmers and warning in case of a possible violation. Only when necessary will targeted sanctions follow. These consist mainly of administrative fines, which guarantee a just and legally certain enforcement. A criminal prosecution will only be instituted for very serious offences.
Information for fertiliser dealers
Improved monitoring of fertilisers is an important point of attention in MAP 6. Fertiliser producers and distributors must therefore keep a fertiliser register.
The Government of Flanders definitively approved the decision that regulates the registration of fertilisers on 19 March 2021. This decision was published in the Belgian Official Gazette on 24 March 2021. From 15 April 2021, the register of deliveries or sales of fertilisers must be digitally updated on the Mestbankloket. More information about the oblication can be found here:
Contact
Do you have questions about the manure legislation? Contact the Mestbank in your region.