Landscape Recovery Project

This document is an invitation to quote to work on behalf of, AHDB on a project to examine what action farmers and growers are taking with regard to new agricultural policies. Specifically, we would like to assess the LR pilot scheme in England and the removal of Direct Payments over the agricultural transition period. How are farmers preparing for the changes and challenges ahead? Are they engaging with LR? Are they participating in the pilot? Are they planning to expand, diversify or to leave the industry or have they made any plans to mitigate the loss of direct payments?

There is a high level of interest amongst farmers and growers in knowing how the new ELMs policies will/could work and how it could impact their finances. This project is about providing farmers and growers an understanding of how the LR policy proposals could impact their business and help explore ideas of how to prepare for the change. AHDB is also keen to learn about the views of farmers and growers that are not taking part in the LR, as well as where they receive information regarding policy change and in which format.

The aim of this project is to inform farmers and growers of how farm businesses are adapting to the changes in policy. Related to this are the following objectives: • What are the key factors LR participants have taken into consideration in their planning that others can learn from? • How do farmers expect LR will impact on their farm business finances - what are the expected costs and benefits? • Is there a difference in attitude between the more progressive farmers/growers and others? • What are the farmers attitudes towards collaborating on environmental issues? • How do farmers feel LR could be improved? • What are the barriers to participating in LR? • How is the collaborative partnership managed? The number of participants in this study should be skewed towards those that are taking part in the LR. AHDB requires in-depth qualitative information from these participants, and this may be obtained via case studies. The following sectors need to be represented: • Beef • Sheep • Pork • Dairy • Cereals and Oilseeds In total, AHDB expects at least three in-depth qualitative reports/examples covering the criteria outlined above and at least one in-depth qualitative report of a large-scale group of farmers, such as within a National Park or similar who have chosen not to participate in LR. Please note that this study due to its size is not intended to be representative of the agricultural sector in England. The intention of the project is to capture initial views and plans regarding LR and is not expected to provide a comprehensive analysis of the scheme.

AHDB invites applicants to provide details/methodologies regarding the identification and recruitment of farmer participants on which the qualitative reports will be based. However, AHDB will assist with locating participants if required.

Closing date 19th August at Noon

Additional information: Closing date is 19th August at NOON