Description

The state can ensure a properly functioning water regime across the whole country by operating targeted support programmes for the agricultural, forestry, horticultural and fisheries sectors. These programmes provide financial support for those farmers, horticulturalists and fishermen and fisherwomen who use water supplies sparingly in their businesses, avoid pollution and contamination, keep irrigation and drainage systems working properly and have to comply with special operational requirements in water protection areas. Participation in the support programmes is voluntary. The effect of the water protection measures supported is monitored.

Farmers’ water protection measures must be closely intertwined with soil and climate protection programmes. Farmers whose land is in drinking water protection areas can receive compensation payments.

Requirements

• A properly functioning country-wide administration and monitoring system with access to the relevant information and sufficient technical and human capacities for its design, implementation and monitoring
• Clear and coherent political strategy and targets for policy-makers and public authorities
• Clear responsibilities in public authorities
• Good knowledge of good agricultural practices
• Monitoring and control system for the agricultural production processes supported
• Regulated and legally protected payment structures
• Regular neutral inspections on farms and in agri-food enterprises
• Regulatory framework
• Sanction mechanisms

Possible Negative Effects

• Corruption and personal gain
• Country-wide implementation and monitoring of measures to protect local surface water and groundwater could overstretch public authorities