Factors Influencing Farmers’ Participation in Environmentally Friendly Measures: The Case of the First Implementation of Eco-Schemes

The present paper examines the degree of acceptance of eco-schemes by farmers. Specifically, eco-schemes, the new form of direct subsidies under the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023–2027, are the focus of investigation regarding the motivations for participation, barriers to inclusion and advisory requirements for their successful implementation. This study was conducted at the regional unit (RU) of Serres (Central Macedonia, Greece) and combines both qualitative and quantitative research on the participation of local producers in eco-schemes during the years 2023 and 2024. Taking into account both statistical data on participation in eco-schemes in the Serres regional unit, as well as the members of the Agricultural Cooperative and the results of a survey conducted through a questionnaire, a variety of motivations and barriers for participation emerge. These include factors related to the personal characteristics of the producers, the structural features of their agricultural enterprises, as well as the type of commitments associated with eco-schemes. Finally, specific training/advice needs have been identified for their successful implementation.