participation does not automatically ensure water quality improvements. Improvements in
a degraded water resource, or protection of a threatened water resource, occur as the
result of the interaction of many factors: identification of a water quality problem
amenable to remediation, documentation of the source of the major pollutant(s), accurate
definition of the critical area, correct selection and placement of BMPs, installation of a
sufficient number of BMPs in a substantial portion of the critical area, and maintenance
of BMPs.
The absolute number of participants necessary to reduce pollutants by a stated amount
will vary depending on the pollutant, agro-environmental conditions, and the magnitude
of the problem. For some situations, almost 100% producer participation may be required
to improve the water resource to its designated use. In the Oregon RCWP project,
approximately 60 dairies were considered critical at the start of the project. Dairies
having the greatest negative impact on water received cost-share funds to implement
BMPs first; then other critical farms were added. However, the project goal of a 70%
reduction in fecal coliform counts was not being met. Consequently, additional dairies
were classified as critical. By the end of the project, BMPs to control dairy runoff had
been implemented on 96% of 109 dairies defined as critical and the project's water
quality goals were met. The experience of the Oregon, Florida, and Utah RCWP projects
indicates that close to 100% participation is necessary in projects where the major source
of the pollutants is animal operations.
Other RCWP projects successfully reduced pollutants with lower participation rates. In
Idaho, installation of BMP systems on 75% of the critical area farms resulted in a 75%
decrease in sediment and a 68% decrease in phosphorus entering Rock Creek, resulting in
better habitat for fish.
While the amount of voluntary participation necessary to successfully address
agricultural NPS pollution must be determined for each individual watershed, results
from the RCWP suggest that an absolute minimum of 75% participation of critical area
farmers is necessary.
Many factors interact to determine the ultimate number of producers who participate in a
voluntary NPS pollution control project. Financial incentives are extremely helpful in
reducing the economic burden of BMP implementation. Environmental regulations, or
the threat of regulations, can also increase participation, although they are most often
used as a last resort when voluntary measures have failed. Technical assistance is an
important means for helping producers select, install, and maintain appropriate BMP
systems. I&E is also an important means for achieving adequate participation and helping
potential participants understand how their practices may degrade valuable local water
resources. Finally, community support is essential for encouraging and sustaining
producers throughout the project period.
Key Points of Farmer Participation
Socio-Economic and Attitudinal Factors Affecting Participation
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