Using fuzzy cognitive mapping to explore synergies between public and private agri-environmental schemes

Agri-environmental schemes (AES) incentivize farmers to adopt environmentally friendly practices. While public AES have been extensively studied, limited research exists on private AES and their potential synergies with public schemes. This study investigated how farmers from two contrasting support contexts perceive public and private AES. Twelve farmers from the northeast US and Denmark constructed fuzzy cognitive maps to model the ways their support aids their transitions to more sustainable farming practices. The maps were analyzed with a conditions for adoption framework, highlighting motivation, ability, legitimacy, and demand as critical factors. Results indicate that financial feasibility is a key outcome of both public and private schemes. Farmers in both regions expressed a need for more individualized support, with Danish farmers emphasizing flexibility in inspections and compliance checks, while U.S. farmers highlighted the importance of ownership mechanisms on leased land. Additionally, private schemes addressed support for demand conditions, while public schemes did not. Danish farmers receiving public support drew on farmer knowledge-sharing networks not formally embedded in the schemes. Our findings suggest possible synergies between public and private AES to better address diverse farmer needs and increase the adoption of sustainable practices. Methodologically, we demonstrate that fuzzy cognitive mapping provides a transferable approach for comparing farmers’ perceptions of agri-environmental schemes across contexts.