title: Considering the source: commercialisation and trust in agri-environmental information and advisory services in England.
abstract: Recent decades have seen the emergence and increasing prominence of a range of public and private sector providers of agricultural information and advice, owing to state transition away from direct provision of agricultural advisory services. In this paper, we evaluate the establishment of trust in agri-environmental agricultural advisory services in England. Qualitative field research was undertaken with farmers, advisors and promoters engaged in four contrasting agri-environmental advisory initiatives. Findings suggest that longevity and expertise in service provision are more important than the public, private or charitable status of specific advisory service in engendering trust. Consistent funding allocated to well-known agencies or their affiliates is thus more likely influence farmer behaviour in the short term than 'contract' advisory projects awarded to novice service providers. Study participants also put their trust in services that were perceived as 'impartial' or actively 'pro-agriculture'. However, we suggest this 'pro-farmer' orientation can negatively impact on environmental outcomes: advisors may be incentivised to provide information on the easiest access to agri-environmental grants, rather than the actions with the most environmental benefit.
authors: James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Scotland AB15 8QH, United Kingdom. Lee-ann.sutherland@hutton.ac.uk
authors: Lee-Ann
authors: LA
authors: Sutherland
authors: Jane
authors: J
authors: Mills
authors: Julie
authors: J
authors: Ingram
authors: Rob J F
authors: RJ
authors: Burton
authors: Janet
authors: J
authors: Dwyer
authors: Kirsty
authors: K
authors: Blackstock
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture; D003253:Consultants; D004739:England; D058735:Environmental Policy / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D033161:Government Regulation; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009939:Organizations, Nonprofit; D017149:Private Sector; D011332:Privatization; D017150:Public Sector; D035502:Trust