Centre for Rural Economy

Current

Boundary Organisational Theory and Collaborative Research (BOTACC)

The aim of this research project was to explore whether collective contracts would increase the ecological effectiveness of agri-environment schemes (AES). Species’ range and the scope of landscape are typically larger than individual farms, so why are AES options struck with individual farmers on a farm-by-farm piecemeal basis? Collective contracts would allow neighbouring and near-neighbouring land mangers to jointly enter agreements to conserve and protect the environment. The research generated insights into the ecological benefits of collective contracts; the barriers land managers face in working with neighbours to improve the environment, and the role conservation NGOs might play in helping them overcome these barriers.