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Improving agri-environmental policy design: farmer and administrator insights on voluntary conservation programs

Published Article

Iowa, Illinois, Indiana

Publication date: March 21, 2025

File format: URL

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Voluntary agri‑environmental programs aim to promote conservation, yet design choices strongly influence farmer participation and long‑term practice persistence. Through five focus groups with farmers and administrators across Iowa, Illinois and Indiana, this study shows that effective cover‑crop programs emphasize flexibility, minimal transaction costs and data‑driven economic insights. Participants recommended integrating financial planning tools and participatory research alongside traditional incentives and technical assistance. These findings demonstrate the value of practice‑specific program design to broaden adoption and improve environmental outcomes in conservation agriculture.

Subject Tags

  • Agriculture
  • Soils

Abstract

Worldwide, voluntary agri-environmental programs encourage farmers to adopt environmentally friendly practices. However, the impact of program design on farmers’ participation and long-term practice persistence is unclear. Toward improving program effectiveness, this study illustrates the value of a tailored practice-specific approach to agri-environmental program design. We present a case study of programs promoting cover crops, a conservation practice that can improve soil health and reduce nutrient pollution, drawing from five focus groups with farmers (n = 20) and program administrators (n = 14) in the U.S. Midwest (Iowa, Illinois and Indiana). Participants perceived cover crop programs to best support farmers is characterized by flexibility and minimal transaction costs. Participants suggested a more data-driven approach to program design particularly for understanding the farm-level economic implications of cover crop use. Integrating financial planning and participatory research components alongside traditional financial incentives and technical assistance were proposed as valuable strategies to enhance program design and broaden the appeal of conservation practices like cover crops.

Citation

Irvine, R., Wardropper, C., Harden, S. C., & Yoder, L. (2025). Improving agri-environmental policy design: farmer and administrator insights on voluntary conservation programs. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, 40, e9. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742170525000067

TNC Authors

  • Seth C. Harden
    Upper Wabash Project Director, Indiana
    The Nature Conservancy
    Email: seth.harden@tnc.org