1. How effective are European agri-environment schemes in conserving and promoting biodiversity? Kevin Lynch Economics of Food Markets, Tuesday, 12 th Febuary, 2008 Trinity College, Dublin References:David Kleijn and William J. Sutherland, How effective are European agri-environment schemes in conserving and promoting biodiversity? Journal of Applied Ecology 2003, 40, 947–969

2. Research Question Intensive agriculture conflicts with other goals €24.3 B on Agri-Environment schemes since 1994, for what? Broad issue: Nutrient & pesticides, demographics, aesthetics and biodiversity Klejin and Sutherland : literature review

3. Methodological Issues The standard of evaluation was poor. Problems: 1. Self Selection: Farmers opt into schemes Sites chosen have the greatest conservation value/potential Use randomised trials to improve results 2. Lack of proper statistical analysis 3. National language and 'local' publications

4. Methodological Issues Baseline data Randomly assigned controls

5. Conclusions Inconclusive More research needed to justify expenditure and improve outcomes Cost Benefit Analysis