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Disentangling farmers’ perspectives on agri-environment-climate measures through ex-post assessment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Understanding farmers’ perspectives on the voluntary measures within the Common Agricultural Policy is crucial for promoting sustainable agricultural practices. An ex-post policy assessment aims to understand farmers’ perceptions regarding agri-environment-climate measures (AECMs). This study used Q methodology, applied to Flanders (Belgium), and found four farmer archetypes characterised by their perceptions towards AECMs: ecological optimists, government-aligned supporters, erosion control beneficiaries, and hesitant implementers. A consensus across these groups highlights the impact of AECMs on land value and farm production. A collective agreement emerges regarding the positive contributions of the measures to biodiversity, particularly among farmers with a proactive environmental stance. The most important policy implication is the need for tailored communication and support strategies that account for the distinct motivations and concerns of different farmer groups identified in the study. Policymakers can enhance adoption rates by improving trust and involving farmers in decision-making regarding the design and implementation of the measures.

Source: Journal of Environmental Planning and Management

DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2025.2479813

Authors: Sophie Van Schoubroeck, Lysander Fockaert, Karolien Michiel, Steven Van Passel, Soukaina Anougmar

Institutions: University of Antwerp, Flemish Government, KU Leuven

Language: English

Topic: Agricultural Economics and Policy

Subfield: General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid