In the context of the most recent reform of the European Common Agricultural Policy (2023–2027), new voluntary environment-friendly measures have been introduced. These measures, termed eco-schemes, represent one-year arrangements with limited restrictions. They are, therefore, considered to be more flexible than the revised and more demanding agri-environment-climate measures (AECM). The introduction of the new eco-schemes, alongside the AECM, raises questions regarding 1) the acceptance of eco-schemes by farmers, and 2) the impact on adoption of AECM. Would farmers prefer to continue with familiar measures or opt for the new, less restrictive, and shorter eco-schemes? To address these questions, two discrete choice experiments (a stated preference method) were conducted on a sample of 360 farmers with previous AECM experience. These experiments focus exclusively on grassland-related measures, as they are available in both contract forms, eco-schemes and AECM. The results reveal a general aversion to voluntary agri-environmental measures. However, farmers are more inclined to implement the new eco-schemes rather than the more familiar AECM, especially when the compensation of the latter is conditional on the environmental results. The findings also emphasize the impact of restrictions and the flexibility of the contract on farmers’ decision-making processes, particularly when dealing with result-based AECM.

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The adoption of environmentally friendly transportation is essential for sustainable development. Although numerous policies promote public bus transport, there has been insufficient analysis of their actual impact. This article presents a new framework that integrates demand, supply and electricity consumption using the A-S-I-F-E (Activity, Shift in modal share, change in Intensity, change in Fuel and Electricity generation). The study examines the impact of a transport policy on carbon emissions through a case study on the renovation and electrification of the bus fleet in the Piedmont Region. A pseudo-panel approach, based on household surveys from 2013 to 2022, is employed. Results indicate a significant increase in public bus transport following the application of the Synthetic Difference-in-Difference (SDiD) method. In terms of emissions, reductions in CO, NOX, CO2, PM2.5 and CH4 were observed, while emissions of NMVOCs and N2O increased. Consequently, combining demand- and supply-side should be promoted to reduce emissions effectively.

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Understanding farmers’ perspectives on the voluntary measures within the Common Agricultural Policy is crucial for promoting sustainable agricultural practices. An ex-post policy assessment aims to understand farmers’ perceptions regarding agri-environment-climate measures (AECMs). This study used Q methodology, applied to Flanders (Belgium), and found four farmer archetypes characterised by their perceptions towards AECMs: ecological optimists, government-aligned supporters, erosion control beneficiaries, and hesitant implementers. A consensus across these groups highlights the impact of AECMs on land value and farm production. A collective agreement emerges regarding the positive contributions of the measures to biodiversity, particularly among farmers with a proactive environmental stance. The most important policy implication is the need for tailored communication and support strategies that account for the distinct motivations and concerns of different farmer groups identified in the study. Policymakers can enhance adoption rates by improving trust and involving farmers in decision-making regarding the design and implementation of the measures.

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Nutrient circularity is an emerging concept that seeks to address the environmental problems and nutrient losses caused by agriculture and food consumption. The implementation of circular nutrient technologies and practices (CNTPs), that recover, reuse, and recycle nutrients from agricultural and urban waste is an important policy objective. Yet, which policies govern the adoption of CNTPs is not well defined. This study presents the first systematic review of impact evaluations of policy measures that aim to improve nutrient circularity regulating components of the biological cycle of the circular economy, particularly focusing on bioaccessible nutrients. The key CNTPs that were subject to existing impact evaluations were identified. CNTPs were categorized into nutrient circularity themes, with manure management emerging as a prominent focus. The reviewed studies implemented several methods to assess the impacts of policies on various dependent variables, associated with nutrient circularity. Economic simulation models and linear programming were the most prevalent methods for impact evaluation. Policy measures were labeled as either enabling or not-enabling nutrient circularity based on whether they sufficiently promoted nutrient circularity through facilitating the adoption of CNTPs, and controlling for soil, water and air health, preventing its contamination. It is concluded that incentive policies, harmonizing market support, tax incentives, and technological advancements, as well as coherence of local, national and cross-country legislation prove indispensable in steering the economic feasibility and sustainability of CNTPs, offering a promising avenue for progress and a transformative shift towards nutrient circularity.

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• Afro-Colombian communities transitioning from illicit crops to cacao require sustainable support for long-term viability.
• Identify cacao price influencers, emphasising infrastructure and community roles.
• Spatial analysis illustrates how geographic location and community dynamics shape strategic pricing in the cacao industry.
• Enhancing post-harvest practices mitigates vulnerabilities in the cacao supply chain, bolstering price stability.
• Community support reduces risks and ensures economic stability for local farmers

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