A conceptual framework for alternative farmers’ strategic choices: the case of French organic market gardening microfarms

Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems

Volume 40, Issue 5, 27 May 2016, Pages 466-492

  (Article)

Morel, K.^a , 

Léger, F.^b

 

^a  INRA, UMR-1048 SADAPT, Paris, France
^b  AgroParisTech, UMR-1048 SADAPT, Paris, France 

View references (79)

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Alternative farming systems are challenging classical agronomic frameworks because their aim is to promote human and ecosystems welfare rather than profit maximization. The objective of our work was to understand how alternative farmers build their strategic choices. Through a multiple-case qualitative study of 14 organic market gardening microfarms in the northern half of France, we developed a systemic conceptual framework in which strategic decision making is integrated with a wide range of social and environmental aspirations. As these various aspirations can be in tension, it is relevant to consider tradeoffs between them to study the viability of alternative farms. © 2016 Taylor & Francis.

Author keywords

Agroecology; permaculture; small farms; systemic approach; tradeoffs

ISSN: 21683565Source Type: Journal Original language: English

DOI: 10.1080/21683565.2016.1140695Document Type: Article

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Inc.

References (79)

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  Morel, K.; INRA, UMR-1048 SADAPT, 16, rue Claude Bernard, France; email:kevin.morel@agroparistech.fr
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