Differences between Farmer and Agency Attitudes Regarding Policies to Reduce Phosphorus Pollution in the Minnesota River Basin

Abstract

AbstractFarmers and agency staff were surveyed regarding their opinions on alternative policies to reduce agricultural nonpoint source pollution in the Minnesota River. Farmers were also asked about their land and nutrient management practices. The information was used to examine determinants of policy preferences. For agency staff, farmer resistance and administrative or transaction costs were more important than farmer costs. Both agency staff and farmers indicated that their preferred policy was a requirement for conservation tillage on highly erodible land. Changes in how soil test results are reported may have potential to reduce phosphorous applications, as would improved manure management.