Tender for a study on delivering environmental benefits through entry-level agri-environmental schemes in the EU
The European Commission has issued a tender for a study on delivering environmental benefits through entry-level agri-environmental schemes in the EU. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the nature and diversity of 'entry level' agri-environmental schemes in the EU. Agri-environment is the only measure in the Rural Development Regulation which EU Member States and Regions are obliged to make available to farmers in their Rural Development Plans. Payments are made to farmers who make voluntary agri-environmental commitments that go beyond the relevant mandatory standards. Agri-environmental schemes may be designed at national, regional or local level so that they can be adapted to the particular farming systems and environmental conditions, which vary greatly throughout the EU. Member States and regions design their own agri-environment programmes and these are often subdivided into different schemes and measures. Schemes and measures come in many different forms. Many Member States have basic schemes designed to attract large numbers of farmers running alongside more focussed schemes aimed at fewer farmers. The study will involve describing, categorising, and analysing the agri-environmental schemes which fall into this category, including specific aspects such as their objectives, the requirements to be met by participating farmers, the support network including farm advisory services etc which aims to make schemes a success, the payment levels, the environmental baseline which underpins them, and so forth.For further information, please contact: European Commission Directorate-General for the Environment ENV.SRD.2 - Finance attention: Markets Team BU-5 00/122 1049 Brussels Belgium E-mail: env-tenders@ec.europa.eu To see the full details of the call, please consult: OJ No S132 of 10 July 2010(opens in new window)