Governance of Water-Related Conflicts in Agriculture

The book contributes to a better understanding of the role such co-operation can play in complying cost-effectively with European environmental legislation, in particularly the EU Nitrates and Water Framework Directives, and in achieving a sustainable agriculture. The feasibility of meeting environmental standards by the application of voluntary agreements between farmers and water suppliers is analysed as a more economically efficient and environmentally effective means compared to applying alternative instruments like command-and-control and taxes. In addition, the potential of voluntary co-operative agreements for achieving a more flexible European Union water policy as well as for reforming the Common Agricultural Policy is assessed. The book will appeal to those researching and working in achieving a more sustainable water management and agricultural practices.