Abstract
The main objective of this work is to strengthen recent Defra research on the costs of phasing out peat in the hardy nursery stock sector. The need for additional research is informed by the view that the cost estimates produced by previous research may be significantly higher than have actually been experienced by some firms going through the process of phasing peat out. It is thought that the limited number of case studies on which projections in the previous research were based may have produced inflated cost estimates from the business managers who were interviewed. Defra therefore requires 25 interviewees to be surveyed in the hardy nursery stock sector. The interviews will aim to collect both qualitative and quantitative (financial and cost) data. The main aim of the proposed research will be to collate and analyse the interview data collected on the costs to the businesses of phasing out peat by 2020 (in order to compare with previous research) and by 2030 (in order to assess the likely economic impact on the hardy nursery sector of the Defra policy framework on phasing out peat currently in public consultation). This further work would aim to make more robust and accurate estimates of the costs, by basing estimates on a larger sample and a fuller picture of the factors contributing to the total economic impact on the hardy nursery sector than was the case in the earlier research. The proposed survey work would explore a broad range of issues, including expected improvements in alternatives and how much of these costs are additional. Our approach is summarised as follows: • Finalisation of the research materials. Brook Lyndhurst would bring our expertise in questionnaire and topic guide design to bear on the draft final materials that will be provided by Defra. In so doing we will produce materials that are fit for the purpose of extracting un-inflated cost estimates from businesses; • Gathering qualitative and quantitative evidence through interviews. Again, the experience of the Brook Lyndhurst team would be drawn upon in interviewing senior personnel in order to gather the range of data needed to provide the cost estimates required by Defra; • Conducting analysis of the data. Analysis would be conducted on an on-going basis throughout the duration of the interview phase of the research in order to constantly inform and improve the interview technique to ensure that the best data possible is being collected. The economists in Brook Lyndhurst’s team would provide estimates of the cost to the hardy nursery sector of phasing out peat use (i) by 2020, and (ii) by 2030; • Writing a concise report. The report would contain a clear presentation of the data, analysed not in great depth – as this is not required - but containing sufficient analysis to provide Defra with enough meaningful insights and well-presented data to fulfil the project’s aim of strengthening the evidence base for policy development. Brook Lyndhurst has a wealth of experience in conducting interview research with senior personnel on commercially sensitive topics, both for Defra and for other clients. In particular we understand well the challenges businesses face in improving their environmental performance and the challenges faced by policy makers in helping them to do that.
United Kingdom