Incidental Socio-Economic Benefits of Environmental Stewardship

The Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) have produced a report on the Incidental Socio-Economic Benefits of Environmental Stewardship (ES).

This report will be of interest to those with a concern in the benefits to local communities that arise as a result of farmers’ participation in ES schemes.

The report assesses the incidental socio-economic benefits of ES schemes in England in order to identify their socio-economic impact on the wider local economy. In particular, it assesses the extent of local multiplier effects and employment creation as an indirect result of agri-environment expenditure.

The research confirms for the first time at a national scale that the incidental benefits of ES have a significant impact on the local economy. Due to the nature of ES requirements, much of the income and employment benefits are retained locally. This appears to be a particular characteristic of agri-environmental activities undertaken by the agricultural community.

The research found that in the absence of ES scheme payments a large proportion of the scheme work would not have been undertaken. The contribution of ES scheme funding to ensuring that wildlife, landscape and historical features are created, restored and maintained is therefore vital.

* Executive Summary (PDF 120KB)
* Full report (PDF 2MB)

To read the opinions from DEFRA leaders visit the article Local communities benefit from investment in farmland biodiversity