1. SSG on WFD and Agriculture State of play and the future
Water Directors meeting, 1-2 June 2006
Richard Bird, UK Defra

2. Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps
WFD and Agriculture
Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps
Synthesis Report for WDs (Nov 06) – inputs
SSG papers on RD, pressures, cross-compliance, water pricing & co-operation
London & Vienna Conference messages
POM questionnaire & PRB advice
WD advice of ‘tone of the report’
Think about next steps ( )?
How do we make best use of the information?
Do we need to develop work further?

3. Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps
WFD and Agriculture
Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps
The POM Questionnaire and background papers identified some issues and ideas which could benefit from further investigation:
How to improve use of existing instruments (e.g. RDR Art. 38, Cross-compliance)
Expansion of cross-compliance to cover all WFD aspects?
Additional instruments and sources of funding

4. Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps
WFD and Agriculture
Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps
Austria and UK wrote joint letter to WDs to:
Reflect on the invaluable results of SSG work
Encourage MS to think of how best to use SSG results
Discuss whether to extend the SSG mandate

5. Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps
WFD and Agriculture
Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps
Benefits of extending SSG mandate?
Timing – CAP review offers window of opportunity
SSG could contribute to development of (water friendly) CAP by identifying sustainable, win-win situations for the water and agriculture sectors
Address the issues identified in the POM questionnaire and background papers
Maintain close dialogue with agricultural sector

6. Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps
WFD and Agriculture
Strategic Steering Group – Next Steps
If SSG mandate extended?
Essential to have clear mandate
UK is happy to continue as co-leader of the SSG
BUT we need (an)other MS to help co-lead the next phase - who will help?