Summary

The contract is developed within a MULTI-MEASURE CALL of the Tuscan RDP 2014-2020 and aims at the aggregation of public and private subjects to deal – directly and indirectly – with specific environmental problems at a territorial level (hydro-geological risk, soil quality, biodiversity, water retention and landscape enhancement). The contract requires the establishment of a territorial partnership and the development of a territorial development project focused on the main environmental issues of the area under contract. Once approved by the Region, the ITP allows the direct activation and funding from a multiplicity of environmental related sub measures/operations of the current RDP (i.e. non-productive investments related to agro-climatic-environmental objectives). The individual instances presented under the ITP umbrella gain priority over the other applications for RDP measures for both selection and funding. The contract requires a leading subject to coordinate the management of the proposal. The leader has the task of managing network activities and monitoring the progress of material investments to ensure the implementation of the project and its effectiveness/efficiency. The leading entity is also responsible for guaranteeing compliance. The public agency requires at least 85% of budget with respect to the proposed investments in order to deliver payments. The total budget is up to euros 3 million for projects at least euros 500,000 in non-productive investments (environmental). The territorial agreement is signed by both, those who should realise the investments and those who makes a non-direct contribution to the project. For at least three years, the signatories are linked to each other by contractual constraints which regulate mutual obligations and responsibilities regarding the realization of investments aimed at achieving the territorial objectives set in the project (i.e. the investments). Of the 28 projects received by the Tuscany Region within the current RDP, this case study focuses on the ITP of the Tuscan archipelago (Islands of Elba, Capraia and Giglio) that started in 2016. The leader is the Department of Agri-Food Production and Environmental Sciences of the University of Florence (DISPAA UniFi).

Public Goods

Summary

The “Nature value bargaining” was tested during METSO pilot programme 2002-2007. The aim was to operationalize markets for biodiversity and natural values. Forest owners received subsidy for making the contract. The subsidy level was based on both the biodiversity values of the stand and timber stock. In addition, forest owners’ goals affected their price demands, improving the cost efficiency of the system. After the pilot period, the instrument was abandoned and replaced with more traditional AES due to EU-level legislative reasons.

Public Goods

Summary

The main focus of this initiative is to increase the percentage of deciduous trees through reforestation, forest restructuring and a targeted promotion of native trees in view of enhanced species and habitat protection. Ecological forest conversion takes place in a damaged coniferous forest of 252 hectares in the municipality Krailling in Bavaria. A mainly subterranean industrial use is combined with the creation, upgrading and enlargement of important habitats for wild plants and animals. Thanks to the recognition of the enhancement activities on approximately 100 hectares as private eco account scheme, the forest conversion is eligible as anticipated offsetting measure. An entry into the land register at the moment when developers make use of the already implemented eco-accounts measures to offset impacts arising from their projects secures the long-term preservation of the forest. The creation of an oak and hornbeam forest associated with wild fruit is complemented by the creation of forest aisles and nutrient-poor grassland in-between the forest pieces.

Public Goods

Summary

The network covers the whole catchment and 30% of the land area is farmed by Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Fund (CSFF) network members. A key focus is what can be done to improve water quality across the catchment, especially as it is a salmon and trout river and sediment in the water is a major factor in the lack of recruitment of juvenile migratory fish. Water quality is generally good across the catchment and of Good Ecological Status according to the Water Framework Directive. Many other additional environmental improvements have been added; sedimentation, nitrate and phosphate pollution due to the agricultural and farming activities in the area, and complement the main focus. For example wading birds benefit from the network tackling issues of water quality.

Public Goods

Summary

Cooperation within the “Symbiotic Model” between the Top Farms Group as a leading entity and partner family farms generates synergy effects and is an example of co-operation in the integrated value chain.

So far cooperation is limited to cultivation of selected crops (mainly cereals and vegetables). Resources of the leading farm can be used in partner farms allowing to increase profitability and production efficiency. An access to know-how, technology, machinery services and the supply chain of the leading company gives a chance to
optimize production costs and increase incomes.
In the economic dimension, the leading farm – the Top Farms Group, contracts specific crops on partner farms, provides means of production (costs might be settled after the harvests), guarantees purchase prices and certainty of commercial transactions, ensures
collection and storage of crops, etc.
In terms of the technology, the leading farm provides desired varieties of crops as well as agronomic advises that support implementation of good agricultural practices including methods increasing soil fertility based on and the foundations of regenerative agriculture in particular. Top Farms, which is the largest producer of nonGMO soybean in Poland is actively promoting cultivation of this valuable crop. Depending on the needs, specialized services using state-of-the-art equipment might be provided.
In the social sphere, the leading farm supports local development. Different actions undertaken improve the quality of life of local residents and benefit natural environment. Building water reservoirs which, apart from their retention and recreational functions, are a habitat for many species of animals, may serve as an example. The leading farm cultivates the culture and traditions of agriculture, among others enlarging the system of windbreaks in the area of the Dezydery Chłapowski Park through planting new and caring for the existing strips of trees and shrubs that protect the fields from wind erosion.
Cooperation in the social dimension also means support and education of local children and adolescents – the creation of a training center, apprenticeships for students, an educational program for children, subsidies for local agricultural schools, which are used by the families of the hosts cooperating with Top Farms.
The leading farm also invests in infrastructure so that local partner farms can more effectively carry out the tasks entrusted to them. An additional aspect is the support of local cultural, sports and rehabilitation institutions, local administration units as well as places of worship.

Public Goods

Summary

This type of contract compensates farmers for external activities to their farm production.The contract type has changed over time. However, the structure remained constant, and it includes two main parts: a) a fixed amount (payment) per farm for monitoring a water basin, b) a variable amount to reduce flood risk (and other risks like for example, erosion). The payment is incrementally based on the risk and the action taken to prevent it.
The investigated contract solution is the second one, which was redesigned in accordance with farmers involved and the University of Pisa. The second contract solution reduced drastically the fixed components (previously 6000€) due to the shortage in the budget to compensate direct interventions in case of urgent actions required. The main novelties were the requirement of a monthly report containing the results of monitoring and indicating the most problematic area. In addition, after a weather alert, the farmers could signal the threat to water bodies using a dedicated Web App (IDRAMAP).

Public Goods