Perceived Effects of Agri-Environmental Management Practices on Public Good Delivery

European agricultural landscapes have historically been rich in natural features, such as hedgerows, herb-rich grasslands, and pastures, which provide essential public goods (PGs) such as biodiversity, climate regulation, and cultural landscapes. These multifunctional landscapes illustrate that agriculture is closely linked with natural resources, highlighting farmers' dual role in both food production and the provision of environmental services. This study aims to expand our understanding of how different agri-environmental management practices affect PG delivery by surveying farmers in the Netherlands on their experiences and perceptions of implementing such practices. The 163 responses reflect a broad diversity of implemented agricultural practices with half of the respondents using 3-6 practices, while a small portion (10 farmers) incorporate all 11 targeted measures. Flower strips were the most widely adopted practice (60%) and showed positive impacts on biodiversity, landscape, and recreation. Additionally, we observed synergistic pairings, such as combining reduced pesticide use with flower strips. However, the results also highlight discrepancies between farmers' perceived effects and existing literature, alongside notable challenges in implementation, such as the interdependence of neighboring farms. Farmers also noted negative spillovers, including yield reductions and increased costs. These findings suggest that effective PG delivery may benefit from more integrated management approaches and policy designs supporting bundled practices, aligning farmers' efforts with broader environmental objectives.