WATER-QUALITY, COST-SHARING, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE - PERCEPTIONS OF MARYLAND FARMERS

Data from a recent survey of Maryland farmers was used to study farmers' perceptions of three topics relating to the use of soil and nutrient runoff control in agriculture: the extent of water quality problems, the usefulness of cost-sharing, and the perceived value of different sources of information on soil and water conservation. The evidence indicates that, while farmers recognized the existence of water quality problems, they tended to believe those problems occur away from their farm or local area. Cost-sharing appeared to have influenced a limited number of farmers to plan increased runoff control efforts. Outreach efforts by public agencies may need improvement.