The role of Environmental Stewardship in the development of farmers' 'environmental learning careers'

Abstract

Analysis of interviews with forty three farmers in the East of England was used to identify different environmentally friendly farming careers associated with their involvement in agri-environment schemes since 1987. Career pathways differ in the extent of ownership by the participating farmer. Career 'stages' represent points along the career in which changes are made, influenced by 'contingencies' that may be internal or external to the farm business. This understanding has important implications for the current development of the new Stewardship scheme structure, providing opportunities for adding value and improving delivery at a time of economic constraint. Specifically, the scheme should recognise the differing careers and career stages at which farmers enter the scheme, exploit synergies with complementary self-directed activities on participating farms, optimise the role of trusted advisors, and accommodate a role for landscape-scale leaders arising from the more advanced career pathways.