A way forward for environmentally sensitive farming that meets the needs of public and farmer

Abstract

Direct support payments to farmers are increasingly likely to be in the form of agri-environmental payments. This paper reviews the resultes of two studies undertaken in the Southern Uplands of Scotland, a contingent valuation survey of public preferences in relation to landscape changes potentially arising from reductions in grazing pressure, and a survey of farmers' attitudes to Environmentally Sensitive Area policy. It argues that payments for the preservation of wildlife habitats and flora are a laudable means of subsidising farming in the uplands. However, policy must also recognise that many farmers will continue to regard the environment as being peripheral to their role as producers of food. The full public benefits of agri-environmental policy will not be realized unless they have 'meaning' to farmers.