How can policymakers work with farmers to adopt sustainable grassland management?

Farmers' attitudes, opportunities, and barriers to adopting sustainable permanent grassland (PG) systems across five European countries—UK, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, and the Czech Republic—are examined, focusing on ecosystem service provision. Research involving 373 semi-structured interviews across ~75 farms per country reveals that most farmers intend to maintain current practices without policy change. Intensification and extensification are under consideration among those open to change. Key challenges include acquiring new skills and economic support. Environmental motivations drive some to sustain management. Policy recommendations emphasize aligning national and regional policies with local priorities, supporting innovation, and providing targeted incentives, advisory services, and demonstration projects to enhance PG sustainability and ecosystem service delivery.