Linking birds, fields and farmers

Does multifunctionality matter to US farmers? Farmer motivations and conceptions of multifunctionality in dairy systems

“…However, RG dairy farmers did indicate that after transitioning to RG systems, their farm management was informed by environmental goals. Despite previous studies demonstrating environmental flexibility afforded by grass-based agriculture (Martin et al, 2009) or emphasizing biodiversity benefits of grazing (Swagemakers et al, 2009), we found that RG farmers' conservation practices were focused strongly on concerns for soil quality and erosion and to a lesser extent, stream quality. RG systems bring farmers closer to these conservation issues because the quality of the pasture system depends directly upon high soil and water quality.…”

“…What are the primary elements of farmers' conceptions of multifunctionality? Finally, because of the burgeoning interest in the implications of multifunctional agricultural practice on environmental conservation (see Boody et al, 2005;Jordan and Warner, 2010;Laurentius Nilsson, 2009;Swagemakers, et al, 2009), we focus on the role of conservation and environmental benefits within farmers' personal conception of multifunctionality. How, in particular, do RG dairy farmers perceive their practice contributes to environmental function?…”

Landowners' Participation in Biodiversity Conservation Examined through the Value-Belief-Norm Theory

“…In their choice of management strategies, landowners have a significant impact on local biodiversity (Aavik & Liira 2010;Smith et al, 2010;Swagemakers et al, 2009). Consequently, the success of nature conservation policies aimed at local participation, such as the ELC (Council of Europe, 2000), depends heavily on landowner engagement.…”

“…(Wretenberg et al, 2010). In this respect, the type of land use is important since, for instance, organic farming tends to favour some aspects of biodiversity (Aavik & Liira, 2010;Smith et al, 2010) whereas less intensely managed farmland seems more likely to adopt schemes to enhance biodiversity (Swagemakers et al, 2009).…”

Result-oriented agri-environmental schemes in Europe and their potential for promoting behavioural change

“…In particular, schemes that prescribe specific management activities have their own risks attached. For example, setting fixed management dates (such as mowing dates -Riley, 2006;Swagemakers et al, 2009) restricts a farmer's ability to respond to weather events, and placing long-term restrictions on land use change (e.g. woodland planting schemes) limits farmers' options for responding to market forces.…”