Agricultural conflict. Increasing agricultural conflict has been registered in most of the present range states during recent decades. At present, conflicts are increasing in Norway in particular during spring, whereas in southern range states, the conflicts caused by pinkfeet are considered more stable. In Denmark conflicts have been partly alleviated due to the changed spring migration schedule by the population (Table 2). Nevertheless, agricultural conflicts remain a cause of concern with considerable economic costs. The changing habits of the geese and the continued population expansion make the situation more dynamic compared to the 1980s and 1990s. Table 2. Agricultural conflicts caused by pink-footed geese in the four range states and management measures taken to alleviate the conflict. Country Crops affected Relative scale of problem Management measures by authorities Norway Pasture grass (N and Mid N) / new-sown cereal (mid-N); spring High/Medium (increasing) Compensation to farmers to allow geese feeding Increase hunting pressure to reduce population size Denmark New-sown cereal / winter cereal; spring Medium (decreasing) Support with scaring devices; baiting with cereals to keep geese away from crops Netherlands Pasture grass; Autumn/winter Medium (stable but small in comparison to other goose populations) Compensation for damage; accommodation areas for geese Belgium Winter cereals; winter Medium (trend uncertain) Compensation for damage available; awarded on case-by-case basis (change from juridical to administrative procedure)
