WaterMARKE project report identifies drivers and barriers for farmers to protect water quality

WaterMARKE also found that although farmers are generally motivated to improve water quality, they need support in terms of knowledge and resources

Farm size, scheme participation, advisor engagement, and education influence whether a farmer takes on mitigating actions to protect waterways.

Know-how and farmer norms are among the most important drivers of behaviour change in addressing Ireland's water quality challenges, according to the latest WaterMARKE project report.

The WaterMARKE project was funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Agriculture (DAFM) and involved economic, psychology, and scientific researchers from Teagasc and the University of Galway.