Survey of farmers on (perception of) biodiversity management in agriculture in ten European countries

We conducted a large-scale survey among farmers in ten countries across Europe (Estonia, France, Hungary, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the UK) to assess their viewpoints on biodiversity (management) in agriculture. We collected basic data on agricultural structure and farm management, including biodiversity innovations and other practices promoting biodiversity, the awareness and knowledge of farmers on the relevance of biodiversity for their economic and ecological performance and perceptions to achieve biodiversity targets based on stated preferences. The relevant sections of the survey cover farmers’ willingness to: 1) implement biodiversity measures, such as flower strips, hedgerows or extensive grassland management, asking for their motivation, necessary conditions, knowledge, importance of biodiversity outcomes and environmental effectiveness, but also the perceived risks they have; 2) participate agri-environmental schemes to foster biodiversity, including aspects such as biodiversity labelling, spatial connection bonus, advice/information or support through cooperation along the value chain through food hubs; and 3) participate in a new biodiversity business model based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Furthermore, the survey encompasses a spatial experiment on where farmers would place biodiversity measures (hedgerows and flower strips) in the field, accounting for influencing factors such as slope, soil quality, wind, proximity to streets, forest or pre-existing hedgerows. The survey was conducted online, and supplemented by hard copy questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, and workshops where online contacts to farmers could not be established easily. The data collection took place between March and November 2023.