Step three Developing demand specifications and supply propositions
To reach an agreement, detailed demand specifications and supply propositions are needed. Demand specifications set out exactly what outcomes buyers need, and supply propositions describe the services farmers and land managers can deliver from their land. A farmer led approach is vital, giving them the freedom to determine the best ways to achieve desired outcomes and complement their core businesses. Farms are extremely diverse, and the most effective schemes will have interventions that dovetail with farmers’ own interests. Precisely what is included in these specifications and propositions will depend on the organisations involved and their needs. Demand specifications should focus as much as possible on desired outcomes and, where possible, should avoid prescribing particular interventions. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to include specific interventions in the demand specification, for example to meet regulatory requirements (see page 26). In this case, supply aggregators should be involved in the process of specification and there should be a choice of interventions, and clarity on the outcomes they are expected to deliver.
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