Development of methods for assessing the economic impacts of agri-environment schemes in England

Cumulus worked in partnership with Fera and Eftec to identify and fill gaps in evidence to support Defra’s economic assessment methodology of agri-environment schemes (AES) in England. The project explored the benefits to the wider economy and society beyond the schemes’ original remit and the natural capital benefits of the schemes, with a focus on market valuation evidence. A three-staged approach included: developing a logic chain to outline the theory of change from intervention to economic impacts; undertaking a rapid evidence review; and developing an economic assessment framework. The project produced the first systematic assessment of how agri-environment payments and activities affect the wider economy.