Exploring macro-environmental factors influencing adoption of result-based and collective agri-environmental measures : a PESTLE approach based on stakeholder statements

Abstract

To promote more environmentally friendly and cost-effective agri-environ-mental-climate measures in the European Union, novel approaches such as result-based and collective schemes are advocated. This study explores macro-environmental factors facilitating or impeding the adoption of such schemes. By means of a PESTLE analysis and based on a survey of 85 stakeholders from Austria and Germany, we iden-tify major adoption factors within the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental domains. Our results indicate that economic, legal, and social fac-tors are the most influential, with fair payment, clear contract design, and social rela-tions being the most commonly mentioned. Moreover, the unpredictability of nature is a major impediment to the adoption of result-based schemes, while social dynamics and farmers’ attitudes are key factors for a successful implementation of collective con-tracts. Overall, the study provides strategic and practical insights that can support the design and implementation of novel agri-environmental-climate measures under the Common Agricultural Policy.