Farmers paid-to-plant-peas-and-beans controversy

Farmers are custodians over much of the countryside and their nation's biodiversity. Should there be a financial incentive for them to do this function? What if looking after the country's biodiversity cuts across their being profitable?

Wonderful ideas like conservancies exist for farmers to conserve the land whilst earning a living. However there are also areas of controversy like dealing with stock losses owing to wildlife (like rooikat/caracul and jakkal) on the farm. Compare the websites of role players like the Predation Management Forum and the Landmark Foundation to get an idea of the different viewpoints. This evening there is a report, EU wildlife grants will be used to grow crops, that is also generating debate.  

How do farmers in modern agriculture remain profitable whilst factoring in issues like biodiversity?

Find the section on resources and good agricultural practice in The Agri Handbook. It is opened by the first chapter, Biodiversity and ecosystem services.