designing a program with moving environmental targets
DESCRIPTION
69th SWCS International Annual Conference July 27-30, 2014 Lombard, ILTRANSCRIPT
Designing a Program with Moving Environmental Targets
and a Changing Agricultural Landscape
Jacqui Empson Laporte, Environmental Specialist Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Christine Schmalz, Environmental Programs Coordinator Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association
Typical Program Design
Issue Identified
Communications Strategy
Delivery Staff trained
Education/ Outreach
Interested farms
participate
Farms identify priorities
Monetary Funding or Technical Assistance
Implementation
Agency updated on results
Changing Agricultural Landscape #1
Are there factors that explain why some farmers convert conservation lands to agricultural
production while some farmers establish conservation lands?
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Study Findings
• Farmers with larger properties tend to exhibit more conservation oriented behaviour
• Farmers that have owned their land for a longer period of time tend to be more conservation oriented
• Older farmers are more conservation oriented than younger farmers
• Farmers with higher debt loads tend to be less conservation oriented than farmers with lower debt load
05/21/2014 CO Webinar 5
Changing Agricultural Landscape #2 -‐ Case Study – Large Farm Operators
Results • 4 Conversations in February/March 2014
– 35 000 acres – 2000+ nutrient units worth of livestock – Gross revenue over $100 million per year – Associated businesses = abbatoir, mill, trucking
• Need an “in” – important to identify partners with an existing relationship
• Business confidentiality key – No demonstration sites, tours
• Industry challenges seen as competitive opportunities • Government not seen as reliable, timely, or professional resource
– Prefer paid professionals – Need tailored, specific advice when THEY want it – Program designs and timing don’t match their needs
Learning Opportunities • Dispelling “rural myths”
– “Large farm operators aren’t family farms” – “Landowners care about land more than renters”
• Business opportunities or disasters? – PEDv, humane euthanasia, gestational crates
• Skeptical view of government assistance programs – Too slow, market interference, changes timing for decision
making • Next generation’s role on farm is dependent on special skills or
aptitude – Focus on livestock, crops, business, etc
• Needs and priorities are different – IT assistance – Human Resources – Public relations
Changing Agricultural Landscape #3
Changing Agricultural Landscape #4
Uzea, Nicoletta, and Sparling, David. Investment and Growth on Canadian Farm 2001-‐ 2009. http://sites.ivey.ca/agri-‐food/files/2013/03/Farm-‐Capital-‐Investment-‐and-‐Growth-‐2001-‐2009.pdf March, 2013.
Uzea, Nicoletta, and Sparling, David. Investment and Growth on Canadian Farm 2001-‐ 2009. http://sites.ivey.ca/agri-‐food/files/2013/03/Farm-‐Capital-‐Investment-‐and-‐Growth-‐2001-‐2009.pdf March, 2013.
Uzea, Nicoletta, and Sparling, David. Investment and Growth on Canadian Farm 2001-‐ 2009. http://sites.ivey.ca/agri-‐food/files/2013/03/Farm-‐Capital-‐Investment-‐and-‐Growth-‐2001-‐2009.pdf March, 2013.
What are Canadian farmers buying? “In aggregate, farmers love machinery, while environmental investments remain relatively low and unchanging (Figure 1). Large farms invested more in farm machinery and equipment, farm real estate, and stocks, bonds and other financial assets, while small and medium farms invested proportionately more in house construction and environmental protection. As a result, large farms will likely enjoy increased productivity and competitiveness, which will mean more incentives and resources to invest in the farm. In contrast, the productivity and competitiveness of small farms will likely continue to erode.” (p. 5)
Changing Agricultural Landscape #5
Impressions on Species at Risk OSCIA Survey on on-‐farm impressions on Species at Risk in Ontario.
OSCIA 2013-2014 Survey Results���
“If I found a Species at Risk on my property, I would:”���
OSCIA 2013-2014 Survey Results���
“If I found a Species at Risk on my property, I would:”���
OSCIA 2013-2014 Survey Results���
“Have you had any direct experiences with Species at Risk on your land?”���
OSCIA 2013-2014 Survey Results���
“The public is unaware of how Species at Risk affect farming operations ”���
OSCIA 2013-2014 Survey Results���
“Considering all environmental priorities on your farm, how do you prioritize species at risk projects?”���
OSCIA 2013-2014 Survey Results���
“Considering all environmental priorities on your farm, how do you prioritize species at risk projects?”���
What does it all mean??
• Target audiences for conservation programs – Socio-‐economic factors in program design
• Recognize competition for dollars from key spending areas such as equipment – Program design must account for priorities and consider messaging
• Variety of services and programs to appeal to different priorities
• Focus marketing/promotion efforts based on the distribution of conservation ethic
• Need innovative program designs
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