Economic evaluation of the Arable Stewardship Pilot Scheme - ER02040

The document provides an economic evaluation of the Arable Stewardship Pilot Scheme (ASPS), which aims to involve commercial arable farms in biodiversity efforts. The evaluation compares participant characteristics across two pilot areas, East Anglia and West Midlands, and with those in another scheme, noting differences in farm size and income sources. The ASPS is found to be attractive to farms seeking to diversify income and is successful in delivering biodiversity benefits at a cost acceptable to participants. The scheme is well-received, with most participants willing to renew their agreements, although this willingness could decrease if future schemes are less flexible. The evaluation suggests that the ASPS is efficient despite higher average costs than similar schemes and has improved biodiversity on participating farms. Recommendations include integrating ASPS with other schemes, revising payment commitments, and considering alternative criteria to the income foregone formula for including conservation work in agreements. The evaluation indicates a positive outlook for the scheme's extension and its administration, with suggestions for DEFRA to work with environmental NGOs to explore alternative valuation methods for environmental activities. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: No lead department listed
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Focus groups or group interviews
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: 2001

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes