Minimizing adverse environmental effects of agriculture: a multi-objective programming approach

The mitigation of adverse effects of agriculture on ecosystems, due to the use of agrochemicals and irrigation water, is expected to have implications on farm incomes. This study examines the possibilities of simultaneously achieving environmental goals such as the reduction of agrochemical and irrigation water use as well as acceptable farm incomes. The empirical analysis employs the multi-objective programming method in order to define alternative crop plans for River Strymonas region in Greece. The results reveal considerable possibilities for reducing input use as well as severe impact on incomes in terms of gross margin, which indicate a wide range of policy options. It is argued that the choice of the ideal solution should be based on several criteria including non-market values of environmental benefits, the particular objectives of policy makers and human preferences, especially the acceptance of each crop plan by stakeholders.