Work

Factors affecting farmer participation in agri-environment schemes in the uplands of Northern Ireland

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Agri-environment schemes (AES) have long been used as a policy lever to promote pro-environmental behaviours within farming communities. However, the role of AES is now becoming more prominent as subsidies to farmers increasingly shift from productive to environmental goals. Yet, questions remain about how to overcome entrenched barriers to widening AES participation, and how to deliver more radical systems-level transformation via such schemes. Focusing on the upland context, this paper explores how perceptions and experiences of AES inform receptiveness to future AES participation and new forms of environmental action (especially results-based schemes and peatland restoration). The paper specifically focuses on beef and sheep upland farm settings within Northern Ireland, with data collected through a series of group discussions across the region. The results show that while there are entrenched (and often critical) views towards AES, as well as a perception of existing strength in environmental stewardship , nevertheless, behavioural change towards new and more radical approaches is possible via future AES.

Source: Journal of Rural Studies

DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2025.103598

Authors: Barry Quinn, Stuart Henderson, Lynsey Hollywood, Simone Angioloni, Paul Caskie

Institutions: University of Ulster, Agri Food and Biosciences Institute

Language: English

Topic: Agricultural Economics and Policy

Subfield: General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,090