What is it about?
Farmers play a crucial role in protecting the environment through agri-environmental schemes (AES), which are programs that encourage eco-friendly farming practices in exchange for financial support. This study looks at why farmers in the European Union decide to join these programs. By reviewing recent research, it identifies key factors like financial incentives, trust in government policies, and the role of community influence. It also highlights how these programs help conserve biodiversity and improve sustainability. The findings can guide policymakers in designing better programs that are easier for farmers to adopt and more effective at achieving environmental goals.
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Why is it important?
This work is unique and timely is its comprehensive review of the latest research (2013-2023) on farmer participation in agri-environmental schemes (AES) within the European Union. It stands out by integrating insights from ecological, economic, and socio-political perspectives to offer a holistic understanding of the motivations and barriers farmers face. As the EU strengthens its focus on sustainable agriculture and climate action through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), this study provides actionable insights for policymakers to design more effective and equitable programs. By addressing current gaps, such as the role of social networks, trust in institutions, and region-specific challenges, the research offers timely guidance for enhancing the adoption of AES, which is critical to combating biodiversity loss and mitigating climate change. This work can inspire improved policy frameworks that support both environmental conservation and farmer livelihoods, making it a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers alike.
Perspectives
From my perspective, this publication reflects the critical intersection of environmental conservation and agricultural sustainability, topics I am deeply passionate about. As someone invested in understanding how policies can effectively balance ecological needs with the practical realities farmers face, this review feels particularly relevant. What stands out to me is the diversity of factors—financial, social, and institutional—that shape farmers' decisions. It reminds us that environmental success depends not just on good policies but on ensuring they resonate with the people who implement them. This work gave me a deeper appreciation for the complexities of agricultural ecosystems and the need for inclusive, evidence-based approaches to tackling global environmental challenges. I hope this study encourages further collaboration between policymakers, researchers, and farmers, and inspires innovative solutions for a more sustainable future. It’s my way of contributing to the larger conversation about how we can achieve meaningful change in agriculture and the environment.
Professor Imre Ferto
Centre for Economic and Regional Studies, Hungarian Academy of Sciences: Budapest
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Motivations for farmers’ participation in agri-environmental scheme in the EU, literature review, Open Agriculture, January 2024, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1515/opag-2022-0379.
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