In contrary to some measures, which are specifically aimed at fields or at specific areas of the farm, some measures are designed to affect the whole farm. Although these measures demand a greater effort from farmers, concerning mind-set, a greater result is probably achieved.
The different measures that farmers have to take differ substantially. Some of the measures demand only small changes of management (e.g. a more diversified cropping pattern), while others ask for a completely different approach of farming (e.g. conversion to organic farming). The three categories that this class is divided up in are organic farming, sustainable practices and crop diversity.
Organic farming is a well-known strategy to farm more sustainably. It applies several practices that include use of only organic fertilizer and limited use of pesticides. Organic farming can thus be seen as a system that relies on ecosystem management rather than external inputs 1.
Several practices that enhance the sustainability of the farm affect the farm management as a whole. Examples of such practices are conversion to more sustainable farming and planning and monitoring of the sustainability of the farm.
Crop diversity could be seen as the variation of crops that is used on the farm, on a single year, or over several years. Several measures such as crop rotation and intercropping enhance crop diversity and are therefore beneficial for the environment.
⬤ Agri-environmental schemes ⬤ Greening ⬤ Less favoured area payment
| Category | Expected from farmer | Environmental benefits | Price | Examples of regions | Barriers | Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic production ⬤ | Convert to and/or apply organic production methods |
| Conversion: 87,5-860 EUR/ha Continuation: 52-410 EUR/ha |
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| Crop diversification ⬤ ⬤ | Not cultivate crops from the same family year after year |
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| Enhance sustainable practices ⬤ | Maintenance of traditional extensive orchards |
| 231-1618 EUR/ha |
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| Enhance sustainable practices ⬤ ⬤ | Environmentally friendly (more extensive) farming |
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| Enhance sustainable practices ⬤ | Planning and monitoring |
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The case study farm in Macerata is a typical wheat farm, which are common in the region. Before the greening measurements, there were only two crops on the farm: durum wheat and alfalfa. Alfalfa was planted only for crop rotation of the wheat. To obtain the greening payments which are part of the first pillar of the CAP, the farmer had to take several measures. Firstly, he farmer had to grow at least three crops as the farm is larger than 30 ha. Furthermore, also the ecological focus area had to be met. Therefore, it was chosen to apply fallow ground on 5% of the area. The permanent grassland measure of the greening was not applicable here, as no grassland is present on this farm.
The cost of compliance to the greening measures is estimated at approximately 2600 euro. As the payment is 3700 euros, it is interesting to comply with the greening measures.
Source: Finco, A., Bentivoglio, D., & Meo, R. (2015). Old and new style of greening payments: economic and environmental implications for italian agriculture. Aestimum, 33–49.
| What: | Crop diversification and Fallow land |
| Location: | Macerata region, Middle of Italy |
| Duration: | / |
| Area: | 42.97 ha |
| Measures taken: | Crop diversification: three crops are cultivated (wheat, sunflowers and alfalfa)
Ecological focus area: three hectares of productive land were let fallow |
| Objectives: | Enhance biodiversity
Prevent leaching Prevent erosion |
In Greece an organic plant production scheme rewards farmers for conversion to and maintenance of organic production. In Mani, some olive farmers implemented the scheme. In a study, it was researched what the environmental benefit was of implementing organic farming, and thus whether the payment was appropriate.
The results show that organic farmers pollute less, conserve biodiversity better and manage the soil more sustainable. Therefore, it can thus be concluded that it is appropriate that there is an environmental payment towards the farmers in the case.
Source: Christopoulos, S., & Vlahos, G. (2011). OECD Workshop on the Evaluation of Agri-environmental Policies. Braunschweig, Germany. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/tad/sustainable-agriculture/48089445.pdf
| What: | Apply organic production in Mani peninsula, Greece |
| Location: | Mani, South of Greece |
| Duration: | / |
| Area: | 280 ha |
| Measures taken: | Apply organic production |
| Objectives: | Biodiversity
Soil management Less pollution |
