Agriculture “Water Science Meets Policy” Event Common Implementation Strategy of the Water Framework Directive

Identifying R&D Gaps Regional and local research in agricultural systems is needed to design and implement successful policies How to have farmers be more take a leading role in the implementation of the WFD? Analysis of policy measures (incentives, penalties, prices…) ensuring the sustainability of the farming sector. Adopting an ecoservices approach in agriculture. Establishing a monetary value for environmental services. Issues: socioeconomic, policy, trading of allowances, benchmarcking, inter alia.

Identifying R&D Gaps Factors limiting application of water reuse in irrigated agriculture. Balancing regulatory aspects and social perception. Use experimental and simulation approaches to assess the current status and to respond to practical “what if” questions related to the implementation of measures related to the implementation of the WFD. Delineation of specific policy target areas Design of corrective measures. In cooperation with farmers, particularly during monitoring. Assess monitoring at different scales Research on new crops, varieties, crop cycles and farming techniques leading to compliance with the WFD.

Effective Dissemination Need to demonstrate current research: forging partnerships (policy makers and implementers) involving all levels in the knowledge transfer chain Networking demonstration pilot projects. Address the difficulties to continue operation after their use. Importance of disseminating at the right time and in the proper language Disseminate through farmers’ advisory services (if they are still there) and farmers’ associations Perception of the benefits derived from research is the key to adoption. This applies to all actors Policy makers will adopt if responding to their questions Farmers will adopt if they raise their income.