FARMER ENVIRONMENTAL ATTITUDES AND ESA PARTICIPATION

Abstract This study analyses the importance of farmers' environmental attitudes for (non)-participation in the Cambrian Mountains ESA scheme. It highlights that age, education, length of residency, farming philosophy and the existence of remnant semi-natural habitats on farms are important variables explaining farmers' dispositions toward conservation and participation behaviour in the ESA scheme. An expansion of Morris and Potter's (1995) concept of a ‘participation spectrum’ is suggested that also considers the position of a farm on a spectrum of ESA eligibility. It is argued that farmers' environmental attitudes are most relevant on farms of marginal ESA eligibility where conservation-oriented attitudes may tip the balance toward participation. In order to increase participation, it is suggested that policy makers and those administering the Cambrian Mountains ESA scheme specifically target this group of non-participants.

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