Strategies for preventing water and air pollution and reducing greenhous gas emissions from crop and livestock production can build upon the linkages between agriculture and the environment. Agricultural activities have both beneficial and negative effects that are not captured by the market and result in market failure. The negative environmental effects of agriculture – water and air pollution, loss of habitats and biodiversity, greenhous gas emissions, and nutrient losses – have received major attention and continue to persist. Environmental concerns arise from many agricultural activities and sources including concentrated livestock production, pesticide and chemical use, deforestation, drainage of wetlands, soil erosion from cropland, and the use of fragile lands.
Agriculture is also an important source of environmental and production efficiency benefits. The use of Best Management Practices and integrated farming systems protect soil fertility and stability, prevent excessive runoff, provide habitats for a widened diversity of flora and fauna, reduce the emissions of CO2, increase carbon sequestration, and reduce the incidence and severity of natural disasters such as floods and landslides. Decorative or scenic agriculture landscapes, waterways, and buildings provide numerous benefits including recreational activities, scenic views, and open space qualities. These positive benefits often merit assistance to producers such as technical and financial and other public support.