What is agri-environmental indicator?

By definition, an indicator is a variable measuring or appreciating a state or an evolution [Robert, 2000].

An indicator must be a simple data which can be quantified in a clear, reproducible and fast way and must synthesize complex phenomena on the level of an exploitation or a piece.

An indicator must represent reality in a written form. Thus, the agri-environmental indicators make it possible to make a diagnosis of the agricultural system, i.e. to give a realistic image of it, and constitute a decision-making aid. As the measurement of the environmental impact of the exploitation by indicators is being a new concept, we assist to the development of plenty new methods. But each method has its specificities and different objectives. We will however need some hints to help the farmers to choose the appropriate method to answer to their questions.