German farmers’ attitudes towards renewable energies, biodiversity, and a combination of both – a case study based on results from an online survey and in-depth interviews

Abstract Background Renewable energies (REs) are an important part in mitigating climate change but may compete with biodiversity efforts on agricultural land. Using an online survey and narrative interviews, German farmers’ opportunities, limitations and motivations to implement RE, flowering strips (FSs) - as an instrument to increase biodiversity -, and a combination of both on their land were assessed. Results RE implementation is driven by both financial incentives and intrinsic beliefs, even though bureaucratic, legal, and social barriers complicate the process. In the case of biodiversity, the order of motivation was mainly intrinsic. A potential dual-use system in which photovoltaic (PV) systems are installed on a FS, would and could not be implemented by most farmers under current regulations. Financial incentives could increase willingness, even if there is no conviction to promote biodiversity. Conclusions Successful adoption of dual-use RE (RE and FS) requires reducing bureaucratic obstacles, designing landscape-integrated solutions, and respecting fertile land, but also the consideration of emotions and observations of farmers. The study points to the importance of understanding the different motivations of farmers in order to develop future policies to support rural transformation processes in economic, environmental, social, and aesthetic terms.