Farmers being major consumers of freshwater, the European Court of Auditors is assessing the impact of the EU’s agricultural policy on sustainable water use. The audit, which has just started, will be useful as the EU moves forward with its reform of the common agricultural policy.

Freshwater is one of our most valuable resources. However, the dual pressures of economic activity and climate change are making water increasingly scarce throughout Europe. Agriculture in particular has a major impact. At least one quarter of all freshwater abstracted in the EU is used on farmland. Agricultural activity not only affects the quantity and availability of freshwater resources, but it also affects water quality, for instance through fertiliser and pesticide pollution.

“Farmers are major users of freshwater; they are also amongst the first to be impacted by water scarcity”, said Joëlle Elvinger, the Member of the European Court of Auditors responsible for the audit. “Our audit seeks to determine in particular whether the action of the EU and its Member States in agriculture is suitable and effective in applying and enforcing the principles of sustainable management of this vital resource.”