Agricultural programs: the European perspective.

Abstract

The events in Europe that led up to the adoption of set-aside in 1988, are outlined. It is hoped by the policy makers and by some non-government conservation organizations that wildlife, will benefit. The basic problem for farmland wildlife in Europe, as elsewhere is, however, the intensification of production which continues apace - examples given include adverse effects of the insecticide dimethoate on survival of chicks of both ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and grey partridge (Perdix perdix). It is concluded that set-aside exacerbates the intensification problem - though so far it has involved a negligible proportion of the area given over to cereals. Future emphasis should be on a possible alternative policy, known as extensification and relying on the reduction of inputs other than land. This would improve the brood rearing habitat and allow conservation headlands to be widely introduced.