Nature inclusive dairy farming in the province of Noord-Brabant

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2021

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en

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Nature inclusive farming has recently gained the interest of governments as a possible solution to the environmental challenges that agriculture poses nowadays. It makes optimal use of ecological processes and integrates them into farming practices, while positively impacting the environment and biodiversity. This research has investigated the different factors that influence dairy farmers to choose a more nature inclusive approach in the province of Noord-Brabant, answering the following main question: Which ecological, economic, and social factors influence a farmer’s choice for nature inclusive dairy farming in Noord-Brabant and how can a further transition to more nature inclusive dairy farming be stimulated by local governments? Resulting from the interviews, it appeared that economic factors are crucial in the transition to a more nature inclusive approach. It was found that farmers, in general, have little financial space and that farming more extensively reduces a farmer’s income. Next to these economic restraints, societal opinions and risk aversion cause a negative motivation for nature inclusive farming, while ecological factors as internal motivation and a view on nature are important positive influences on a farmer’s choice. Therefore, local governments such as municipalities should inspire and facilitate farmers that want to make the transition to nature inclusive farming.

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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen