Organic Farming and Water Quality Protection: Policy Coherence and Farmers’ Dynamics

Following the 2009 Grenelle Environment Forum, France set objectives to protect drinking water catchment areas from diffuse agricultural pollution by promoting organic farming conversions. This study reviews the design and progress of water catchment area (WCA) approaches defined by state authorities, assesses how organic farming is integrated into resulting agricultural action programs, and identifies constraints and success factors driving farmers’ conversion dynamics. By critically examining policy coherence and implementation levers, it highlights the role of regulatory instruments and project management methodologies in combining organic agriculture with water quality protection goals.