Agriculture and Climate Change: Evidence on Influencing Farmer Behaviours. Section on SRDP measures (awarness and behaviours)
Research Funding Body
Scottish Government
Author
Hallam, A., Bowden, A and Kasprzyk, K
Project Objectives
Explore what is known about the range of factors influencing attitudes and behaviours of farmers towards SRDP measures (part of a much larger report on farmers attitude and behaviour in the context of the Farm for Better Climate Programme).
Why relevant to improve implementation and uptake of water quality measures
This project gathers information on Scottish's agricultural option formers in relation to SRDP measures, regarding awareness, experiences and views.
Method
Interviews with 14 Scottish's agricultural opinion formers, including representatives of Scottish Agricultural College, Quality Meat Scotland, National Farmers Union of Scotland, Soil Association, Scottish Land and Estates, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish National Heritage, Royal Scciety for the Protection of Birds, National Beef Association and National Sheep Association.
Key Results
Awareness of SRDP measures is not widespread amongst farmers and few of the interviewees spoke in detail about the opportunities offered by SRDP schemes. Schemes were considered to be promising at the outset, but there was a general view that they had not been as successful as they could have been, particularly now that less money is available. There is a perception that good ideas have been rejected, and this has led to a degree of cynisism amongst farmers. A number of interviewees criticised SRDP measures as overly complicated and requiring guidance from consultants to fill forms. Transaction costs were also seen as a barrier.
Year
2012
Contact Person
Angela Morngan (socialresearch@scotland.gsi.gov.uk)