Soil erosion and land use policy in Iceland in relation to sheep grazing and government subsidies

A recent national erosion assessment programme reveals that soil erosion is more active in Iceland than is witnessed in other European countries. Most of the communal grazing areas in the central highlands are not suitable for grazing by sheep because of poor condition. Agricultural subsidies are a substantial proportion of Iceland’s national budget and the sheep farming is dependent on subsidies. Recently, a landmark agreement was made between...