One federal policy, four different policy contexts: An examination of agri-environmental policy implementation in the Midwestern United States.

Highlights: [•] Federal agri-environmental policy, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in the U.S. is conducted on a state-by-state basis, adjusting for local conditions. [•] Differences in policy context between states partly explain variation in farmer program participation between states. [•] EQIP application and administrative procedures are largely consistent between states. [•] Within EQIP, state and local environmental professionals emphasize different conservation practices, resource concerns, outreach strategies, and organizational partnerships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]