Policy Summary

Introduction and purpose

2 Background on policy and general agricultural and bioenergy issues

2.1 EU Water policy

2.2 Agricultural bioenergy production: EU policies and environmental aspects

2.3 Agricultural policy: land use and environmental aspects

3 Background on bioenergy production, key pathways, crop characteristics and production outlook

3.1 Main agricultural feedstock to produce bioenergy

3.1.1 Classical crops

3.1.2 Newcrops

3.1.3 Perennial crops

3.1.4 Grass Land cuttings

3.1.5 Residues (straw)

3.1.6 Animal slurry or manure

3.2 Future developments of bioenergy cropping and biofuel production

4 Potential effects of agricultural bioenergy production on water resources

4.1 Potential land use changes associated with increased bioenergy cropping

4.1.1 Expansion of agricultural cultivation

4.1.2 Conversion of grassland

4.1.3 Potential effects of SRC plantations

4.2 Choice of bioenergy pathways and crop types

4.2.1 Expanding of crop rotations via biogas production

4.2.2 Establishment of multiple cropping systems

4.3 The effect of management practices

4.3.1 The influence of management practice

4.3.2 Management practices in annual crops

4.3.3 Management Practices in perennial energy crops

4.4 The use of animal manure and agricultural residues

4.4.1 Using biogas for treatment of slurry and manure

4.4.2 Use of agricultural residues

4.5 The impact of conversion processes

4.5.1 Use of Water

4.5.2 The issue of by-products

4.6 Develop standards for good agricultural practice for energy cropping

5 Creating win-win situations by linking WFD measures and bioenergy production

5.1 Increased use of energy crops as buffer sips

5.2 Creation of flood retention areas

5.3 Farm advisory and training for bioenergy cropping

5.4 Water supply issues

5.5 Water pricing

6 Conclusions and further research needs

7 Literature