The economic nature of stewardship: complementarity and trade-offs with food and fibre production

The paper develops a theoretical framework for the classification of CSPs. The provision of Environmental Recreational Goods and Services (ERGSs) as well as Bads and Disservices (ERBDs) linked to farming and the related environment is analysed according to the public/private goods theory and the Production Possibility Curve. The definition of reference points and boundaries between positive and negative externalities made up by farming, forestry and the related environment is discussed. It is a very important issue in policy design and implementation and is not yet resolved in Europe. The paper continues with the presentation of the methodology and the results of a survey of 351 CSPs in the eight STEWPOL countries. It is shown that the core of European CSPs are formed of multi-objective and voluntary measures which are also usually temporary and compensated through public funds. The role of long established CSPs, which are included within property rights and very near to ethical values, is also stressed. The paper concludes by showing how current CSPs are affected by unclear definition of objectives as well as ill understood boundaries between positive and negative externalities. It is, however, acknowledged that current CSPs have initiated a process that in the medium-long term should allow a more comprehensive and effective environmental policy for rural areas.