Promise and performance of agricultural nutrient management policy : Lessons from the Baltic Sea

Summary, in English

Following decades of international collaboration to restore the Baltic Sea, we provide an assessment of the domestic implementation of measures agreed to limit diffuse agricultural pollution and the patterns of policy instruments applied. Despite the Helsinki Convention being unusually specific in detailing what measures countries should introduce, we find many shortcomings. These are most pronounced in the larger countries (Poland, Germany and Russia), while smaller countries perform better, notably Sweden and Estonia. The patterns of policy instruments applied differ, influenced by domestic politics. The limited use of complementary policy instruments suggests that other priorities overrule full and effective implementation, with engagement mirroring the advantages that a restored Baltic Sea can bring to countries. Using the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development to support farmers in managing nutrients, particularly advisory services and investments in modern manure management technologies, represents a significant opportunity for reducing agricultural pollution in most countries.

• Author: Martin Hvarregaard Thorsøe; Mikael Skou Andersen; Mark V. Brady; Morten Graversgaard; Emils Kilis; Anders Branth Pedersen; Samuli Pitzén; Helena Valve
• Department/s: AgriFood Economics Centre, SLU; Centre for Environmental and Climate Science (CEC); BECC: Biodiversity and Ecosystem services in a Changing Climate
• Publishing year: 2022
• Language: English
• Pages: 36-50
• Publication/Series: Ambio
• Volume: 51
• Issue: 1
• Links: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13280-021-01549-3
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: Springer
• Topic: Earth and Related Environmental Sciences
• Keywords: Agri-environment; CAP; HELCOM; Marine policy; Policy instrument; Rural development
• Status: Published
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 0044-7447