Results-based agri-environment schemes: A qualitative analysis of farmer and other key stakeholder attitudes

Results-based agri-environment schemes (RB-AES), which reward farmers for environmental performance, are attracting renewed interest as complements to traditional, action-based models. In a policy context shaped by performance orientation and growing emphasis on measurable outcomes, this study explores stakeholder attitudes toward RB-AES design and feasibility in Northern Ireland. We conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with farmers and other key stakeholders and analysed the data using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to identify cross-cutting barriers and facilitators across intervention, organisational, individual, and process levels. Overall, interviewees expressed support for payments linked to observable results, viewing simple, field-based indicators and transparent scoring as essential for trust, motivation, and skill development. Flexibility was valued and farmers emphasised that payment adequacy and fairness must reflect differing baselines and site potentials. Interviewees welcomed feedback and benchmarking. Implementation priorities included trusted moderation, local/group delivery to build peer learning and confidence, and verification that leverages digital tools (e.g., geo-tagged photo evidence, and remote sensing) to reduce transaction costs. Cultural factors, such as productivist norms and tidy-farm aesthetics, shaped perceived legitimacy, highlighting the need to work with existing identities (e.g., hedgerow management that aligns biodiversity, carbon, and production). The findings offer context-sensitive insights for RB-AES design in livestock-dominated systems, highlighting fair payments, simple indicators, calibrated training for self-assessment, and trusted facilitation as foundations for feasible delivery. • Focus on targets and evidence makes results-based AES attractive. • Other perceived benefits are flexibility, scope to innovate and improved farmer image. • RB-AES skill burden may lead to farmer abdication of environmental responsibility. • ENGOs could mitigate this risk and may offer other important benefits. • Other threats are viability concerns, productivist norms and tidy farm mindsets.