Assessing the value of pastoral farming in the Alps using choice experiments: evidence for public policies and management

Abstract

Alpine livestock farms consist of pastures, buildings, people and animals, and are a key element for the economy in the Alps. Pastures and huts are often owned by the local municipalities, who lease them to private tenants. However, this activity is often no longer profitable, and thus pastures and huts remain unused and abandoned. This research provides an economic estimate of pastoral farming using the choice experiment (CE) method, also assessing the willingness to pay (WTP) for pastoral farming functions. The study examines different scenarios of upland farm management in order to provide recommendations for public owners on how to better manage these assets. The case study is located in an alpine area in northern Italy. Our results show a higher WTP for the attributes related to the traditional Alpine agricultural economy, with an emphasis on grazing. Several policy implications regarding agricultural renewal and support for mountain livelihoods are highlighted in the conclusions.

Keywords:

• pastoral farming
• choice experiments
• pastures
• mountain areas
• WTP

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. These municipalities were selected by Orobie Bergamasche Park because they were involved in the “Arcorobie” project, funded by Cariplo Foundation and Lombardy Region, to promote agricultural mountain development.

2. Full or fractional factorial.

3. Relationship between oldest population (65 years and over) and youth (0–14 years).

4. Special Protection Areas.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Fondazione Cariplo.