It is now more than 25 years since agri-environment schemes (AES) were introduced in England. On common land these AE agreements are complex and involve many stakeholders with different property rights (landowners, tenants and common right interests). But there is no clear guidance or general understanding about how these AES monies are distributed amongst the various parties and how this relates to their contribution to delivering the scheme.
In an attempt to understand what is actually happening on the ground the Foundation for Common Land commissioned a survey asking the following questions:
• who currently receives money from AES agreements on common land,
• the contribution such recipients make to land management on the common, and
• whether there are regional variations across England.
This study was funded by the European Commission (DG Environment) through the European Forum for Nature Conservation and Pastoralism's work programme.
Ninety nine commoners’ associations covering commons with AES agreements filled in the questionnaire. The survey shows striking variation in how agri-environment payments are divided amongst stakeholders. Active graziers benefit in 89% of agreements and collectively receive on average 77% of the monies. However, there is considerable variation between regions. The owners of common land also benefit in slightly over half the agreements and on average receive 18% of the financial value of a scheme; again there is considerable geographical variation. In a number of cases various non-graziers also receive monies from an AES agreement, although the amounts are small and the practice varies.
It also reveals starkly defined regional and individual differences in how AES funds are distributed amongst stakeholders on commons. The findings cast doubt on whether those actively managing the commons are consistently rewarded at levels commensurate with their contribution. In some cases inactive owners are rewarded at a level that cannot be readily explained except by the fact that their consent is required before an agreement can be concluded.
This analysis is a first step in understanding how AES agreements on common land are developed and implemented. There is a need for a deeper investigation to examine if the current distribution of public monies is justified, and whether those who are actively managing the common are effectively disadvantaged through a culture which has become established in certain areas. It is recommended that in any revision of AES schemes, guidance should emphasise that active managers whether commoners or land owners receive payments proportionate to their contribution, whilst also preserving local characteristics associated with the traditional management and governance of these area. Also there is a need for transparency and openness within some agreements so that there is a fair allocation of public monies and governance of these special areas.
You can download the full report here.
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 aescommonsfclresearchreport23nov13final.pdf | 1.21 MB |
