Viewpoint Improving water quality with rural land use policy: (Re)balancing farmland regulation, intensification and financial viability

摘要

Water is a vital natural resource; human and ecosystem health are dependent on a plentiful supply of freshwater that is free from contaminants. However, water quality is threatened in many developed countries from both point- and non-point-source pollution. While point-source pollution can be regulated with emission-based standards, it is difficult to effectively monitor and regulate pollution coming from diffuse sources. Diffuse non-point-source pollution comes from water run-off moving over and through the soil profile, carrying natural and man-made pollutants into ground, surface and marine waters. Intensive agricultural land use is widely accepted as a significant non-point-source of nutrient, pesticide, soil sediment and other pollutants in the water systems of most OECD countries (OECD, 2012). The impact of agriculture on water quality is generally stable or deteriorating, and policymakers across the OECD are looking for effective instruments to improve water quality (OECD, 2012). Regulating to control non-point-source agricultural pollution is complicated by the complex nature of pollution, the number of stakeholders, and the potential effects of policy change for all stakeholders. Policy changes can have considerable impact on the productivity and value of affected businesses. The challenge for policymakers is to find an equitable means of regulation that can be administered effectively, to improve water quality, while enabling farming businesses to remain viable.