Measuring public preferences for the conservation of the traditional farm landscape

Abstract

This paper explores individuals' attitudes towards the traditional farm landscape. Results from a Generalised Tobit Interval model of willingness to pay for traditional farm landscape protection suggest that individuals are more willing to pay to support agricultural activities aimed at protecting landscape features associated with the wider biological and cultural diversity of the countryside (such as woodland, bogland, wild flora and fauna, water quality and aspects associated with our cultural heritage) than what could be described as more obvious and scenic landscapes associated with farming activities (such as open grass covered fields, grazing farm animals and well maintained traditional farm buildings). More generally, the results indicate broad public support for second pillar objectives under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) such as the protection of the traditional farm landscape.