Policies related to agriculture and environment in the European Community

This paper summarizes recent EC policy relating to agriculture and the environment. The important changes in the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy are outlined and in particular the agri-environmental measures that provide for Member States to aid farmers that take measures to reduce pollution from intensive agriculture and improve the rural environment. The Nitrate Directive, which is the first EC Directive relating to agriculture and the environment, is summarized. Other water directives relevant to agriculture and the aquatic environment as they relate to nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) in water are also outlined. The EC Fifth Action Programme on the Environment as it relates to agriculture is also considered. Finally, an attempt is made to assess the likely impact of these policies on agriculture and the aquatic environment.