from conclusion: "A conservation policy based on targeting would bring about benefits for both society and agricultural producers. With the increasing pressures being exerted on agriculture to intensify production at present, we argue that a targeted approach is timely and necessary to maintain-if not increase-the level of agroecosystem services currently provided. The targeted conservation program we outline does just this. It focuses on those portions of watersheds and/or landscapes that provide the greatest ecological benefits and more than adequately compensates farmers for taking land out of production. We further argue that a targeted approach is feasible in light of historical federal expenditures for the farm sector, and farmer compensation would more adequately reflect the quantity or quality of the conservation benefit being produced. The better targeting of resources, rather than increases in their absolute levels, is key in the provision of agroecosystem services under the current high crop price environment."
