Attitudes Towards Diversified Farming Practices in a Region Dominated by Conventional Agriculture Farmers Take Climate Action by Diversifying Their Farming Practices Irrespective of Generally Ac-cepted Norms: A Drenthe Case Study
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2023-08-15
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en
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This study explores the emergence of diversified farming practices among Dutch farmers in a region dominated by conventional agriculture. The food system is in trouble, conventional agriculture has a negative impact on biodiversity and the environment (o.a. Van Der Ploeg et al., 2008). However, addressing ecological problems requires understanding how farmers make decisions amidst pressure to change (Petersen-Rockney, 2022).
Diversified farming systems (DFS) in the Netherlands have been studied through a case study in Drenthe, a province in the North of the Netherlands. Seven farmers were interviewed to understand their world-views and their decision to engage in diversified farming. The research reveals that decision-making is driven by strong world-views and ecological realities together with the previously undiscovered potential drivers of: 1. Moral sense of responsibility for future generations, 2. Unique characteristics and values of the individual, 3. Entrepreneurial spirit, 4. Taking advantage of political opportunities, and 5. Out of obligation (for different reasons).
According to farmers, future farms may be shaped by opportunities of diversified farming, this may lead to reuniting farming and the environment, ensuring livelihoods, and creating new food systems. Therefore, DFS may be an alternative to conventional farming (Kremen, 2015; Berkeley Food Institute, 2018).
Keywords: decision-making, sustainability, Diversified Farming Systems, farming, politics.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen