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The first results of a pilot agri-environment scheme in the east of England which focussed on payment by results were published this week.
The scheme was launched in 2016 and involved 34 farmers delivering habitats such as species-rich grassland, wild bird feed and pollinator plots.
Compared to control plots which were managed under a conventional action-based scheme, all plots under the results-based pilot delivered higher environmental condition scores.
The best was bird feed plots, which had an average score 43% higher than control plots.
Verification
Payments were based on assessment of the plots by the farmers themselves and independent verification was also conducted on a sample of plots.
A report concluded that the result-based approach has “considerable potential” for the design of post-Brexit schemes in the UK.
“It sends a clear message we should be giving farmers and land managers greater flexibility and autonomy to deliver the best results for the environment that go hand in hand with their farming business,” said Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers.
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