Overcoming barriers to program participation for interested farmers

Abstract

Farmer conservation practices aimed at reducing nutrient runoff and improving water quality are rarely mandated, and typically encouraged through voluntary, government-funded incentive programs. We surveyed farmers from four Great Lakes watersheds and examined how conditional nonparticipants (those who are not currently participating but indicate an interest in participating) differ from current participants in government programs. Through a series of regression analyses, we find that this critical audience is less aware of what steps to take to reduce nutrient loss, less convinced that on-farm action is necessary or effective, and perceive greater barriers associated with program design. We also find that interested farmers (both those participating and those not participating) tend to be younger, more educated, and more strongly convinced of the benefits of conservation. Finally, we find that interest is unlikely to translate into participation for smaller farms and for those with limited access to program information and who perceive program requirements as lacking flexibility and compatibility with their operation. Findings support adjustments to program design that remove constraints for smaller but more diverse operations. This raises questions about the goals of such programs. If equitable opportunities to participate across farm scales are desired, governments should expand the flexibility of programs to cater to more diverse operations. If, however, the goal is simply to target the most area on the largest farms, such programs should be clearer about the intended applicant and requirements for eligibility.