Evidence based agri-environmental policies: the Swedish experience

This chapter discusses the evaluation of agri-environmental measures within Axis 2 of the CAP's Rural Development Programme, focusing on methodological aspects. The evidence analysed is based on experiences from the recent mid-term evaluation of the Swedish Rural Development Programme, which is dominated (70 per cent) by Axis 2 measures. The authors identify major weaknesses in the present evaluation proce­dure and suggest appropriate remedies. The weaknesses in­clude, inter alia, vague concepts, insufficient availability of suitable methodology and lack of empirical data. A number of strong recommendations for improvement are formulated, which would jointly improve the objectivity and scientific rigour of the methodology as currently applied.