Conservation by Innovation: What Are the Triggers for Participation Among Swiss Farmers?

The Swiss government pays subsidies for the adoption of innovative conservation technologies such as no-tillage and slurry spreading with banding. Both a theoretical model and a quantitative survey show that dedication to innovation and conservation triggers farmers' participation in these schemes. Analysis of an excerpt from three interviews with participants shows cases of farmers who are primarily motivated by the possibility of additional income and emphasize the importance of using glyphosate. While this questions their environmental dedication, it underlines the importance of supplementary qualitative research.