This document analyses the success of a Payments for Environmental Services (PES) programme implemented in France, where farmers were financed to change their farming practices to reduce the risk of nitrate contamination. The paper examines the methodology used by Vittel, and the ten year process that was used to transform conflict into a successful partnership. <br /><br />The author emphasises that the primary reasons for success of the system are not financial but that the methodology used in this process. It is explained that a multidisciplinary NGO team, and the active participation of farmers in identifying and testing alternative practices, brought success to the experience. The author also finds that reducing risk and uncertainty by offering subsidies high enough to ensure that there was no loss in revenue was an important element. <br /><br />Key lessons highlighted include: <br /> establishing PES programmes are complex because technical, economic, social, legal and political facets must be considered when developing it primary reasons for success are not necessarily financial and there is a business case for private sector participation in PES the experience of Vittel could be replicated PES alone may not be sufficient to guarantee environmental services are provided. <br />