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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