WFD and Agriculture Draft Mandate for activity under the CIS 2005/2006 Work Programme

At the Water Directors meeting in June ’04 we recognised …….. Agriculture will significantly impact upon, and be impacted by, the WFD objectives. WFD characterisation – a high proportion of water bodies at risk of failing to meet the WFD ‘good status’ objectives due to agriculture. Environmental, economic and social benefits of reducing diffuse water pollution from agriculture (DWPA). Recent Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms – increased opportunities to support farmers in addressing their environmental responsibilities

Overall nature and scale of DWPA problem in Europe BUT that UNCERTAINTY over ……… Overall nature and scale of DWPA problem in Europe Degree to which existing measures, including CAP, will contribute to achieving WFD objectives Additional action required under WFD

Therefore in order to …….   Fill the INFORMATION GAP MANAGE THE UNCERTAINTY and RISK of not meeting WFD objectives Encourage better joining-up of WFD and CAP Consider the IMPACTS OF WFD on AGRICULTURE

Water Directors decided to establish EU Strategic Steering Group UK working with Commission to prepare draft mandate Approval by the Strategic Coordination Group Discussion at the Rural Directors Nov ’04 meeting

Draft Mandate Output   Will be targeted at : Member States, the Commission, farmers, organisations involved in the implementation of CAP and WFD, and other interested parties. Will be …… - Improved evidence base to inform decision making and identification of evidence gaps. - More strategic thinking on how to maximise the value of links between WFD and CAP agendas – including better links between the EU water, Agriculture and Rural agendas. - Information sharing between Member States (e.g. best approaches for engaging with and educating the farming community).