Overcoming Agricultural Pollution of Water: The Challenge of IntegratingAgricultural and Environmental Policies in the European Union

摘要

In an effort to address the particular policy challenges posed by theagriculture/water quality dilemma, this study, focuses on the experience of the European Community (EC), where high levels of nitrate, phosphate, and pesticides in surface and groundwater are a source of increasing concern. Agricultural and water quality-related environmental policies at EC level, as well as national level, are examined, and new policy approaches that try to integrate agricultural and environmental considerations are discussed. This study thus provides insights into policy options for controlling agricultural water pollution, which might be useful in other parts of the world.