Production systems, the environment and public policy: understanding and supporting changes in farming practices in arable farming

Arable crop production is affected by the development of public policies designed to encourage changes in agricultural practices with the aim of reducing the use of fertilisers and pesticides and improving water quality. However, no significant change in usage indicators has yet been observed at national level; the specialisation of farming systems and the simplification of crop rotations are continuing. At a micro-economic level, however, it has been shown that efficiency gains are possible through a reduction in the quantities of inputs used. Analyses of the motivations for and barriers to changing practices reveal a complex set of determinants, in which collective factors, as well as the relationship with advisory services and individual sensitivity to environmental issues, play an important role. Current agri-environmental measures are not very attractive, and public policies will need to combine the introduction of economic incentives with an expansion of research and development activities, involving all stakeholders in the sectors, in order to provide a genuine incentive for change