Payments for Ecosystem Services. Part 1

Since the 1960s, there has been discussion among academics about paying farmers for their contribution to a healthier environment. Today, programs make this concept a reality: payments reward farmers for improved and maintained ecosystem services or for the benefits that society receives from the environment, such as clean water, food, air quality, and disease regulation. NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Colin Mitchell will guide you through the history of payments for ecosystem service programs and different types of payments farmers and ranchers can receive for improving or maintaining ecosystem services including:
• Direct Payments
• Certification Programs
• Tax Incentives
• Ecosystem Service Markets

Colin will also provide a set of factors farmers and ranchers should consider before participating in any type of payment for ecosystem service program.

This video is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.