Farmers’ Experiences of Transitioning Towards Agroecology: Narratives of Change in Western Europe

Maria Markiewicz-Keszycka (), Áine Macken-Walsh, Aileen Carter, Simon Mooney, Emma J. Devereux, Maeve Henchion and Paul Hynds
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Maria Markiewicz-Keszycka: School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
Áine Macken-Walsh: Teagasc, Rural Economy & Development Programme, Mellows Campus, H65 R718 Athenry, Ireland
Aileen Carter: School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
Simon Mooney: School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
Emma J. Devereux: School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
Maeve Henchion: Department of Agri-Food Business and Spatial Analysis, Teagasc, Rural Economy and Development Research Centre (REDP), D15 DY05 Dublin, Ireland
Paul Hynds: Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute, Technological University Dublin, Greenway Hub, Grangegorman, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 6, 1-29

Abstract: Transitioning to agroecology on dairy and beef farms is touted as a sustainable response to environmental externalities. The current study conducted narrative interviews with farmers who transitioned towards agroecological food production by implementing pro-environmental diversification measures in the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and France. The study aimed to determine farmers’ experiences of agroecology and used a thematic approach for the analysis. Results indicate that the motivations, values and principles of farmers transitioning to agroecology are closely aligned with the ideology of the new/peasantry. Farmers’ decisions were primarily influenced by ecological principles and a sense of responsibility towards environmental protection, with particular biographical events central to the transition to an alternative food production system based on agroecology. Other explanatory factors related to farmers’ desires to increase the autonomy and profitability of the farm, and their conscious efforts to eliminate dependence on external inputs. Farmers who entered agriculture with no family background in farming had acquired skillsets which provided them with specific advantages in advancing towards agroecological goals. This paper provides insights relevant to policymakers, extension and education providers on how to practically support agroecological transition.

Keywords: narrative interviewing; environment; biodiversity loss; agroecology; motivations; farmers; new peasantry; Europe; climate change; food systems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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