Abstract Title
Ecosystems Services and Idaho Farmers
Abstract
Farmers are stakeholders in ecosystems services because of their use of natural resources and economic and social influence. Farmers have an interest in the environment because it is vital to their daily life and work. The purpose of this research is to understand how farmers in southeastern Idaho perceive, value and use ecosystems services. We use data from in-depth interviews with thirty farmers in the area. Farmers describe themselves as good stewards of the land. They implement conservation practices to maintain soil quality and limit water. They also describe economic and social benefits of being farmers as a satisfying way to make a living and say that they want to be able to pass their farms onto their children. Farmers describe themselves as independent decision-makers. They are distrustful and cautious of federal and state governments, with concerns about over-regulation. They also express concern about maintaining their access to water and competition with other stakeholders.
Ecosystems Services and Idaho Farmers
Farmers are stakeholders in ecosystems services because of their use of natural resources and economic and social influence. Farmers have an interest in the environment because it is vital to their daily life and work. The purpose of this research is to understand how farmers in southeastern Idaho perceive, value and use ecosystems services. We use data from in-depth interviews with thirty farmers in the area. Farmers describe themselves as good stewards of the land. They implement conservation practices to maintain soil quality and limit water. They also describe economic and social benefits of being farmers as a satisfying way to make a living and say that they want to be able to pass their farms onto their children. Farmers describe themselves as independent decision-makers. They are distrustful and cautious of federal and state governments, with concerns about over-regulation. They also express concern about maintaining their access to water and competition with other stakeholders.
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Poster #Th51