Factors Influencing the Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices in the U.S.: A Social Science Literature Review

Yevheniia Varyvoda (), Allison Thomson and Jasmine Bruno
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Yevheniia Varyvoda: Department of Community, Environment, and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
Allison Thomson: Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Jasmine Bruno: Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research, Washington, DC 20004, USA

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-18

Abstract: The transition to sustainable agriculture is a critical challenge for the U.S. food system. A sustainable food system must support the production of healthy and nutritious food while ensuring economic sustainability for farmers and ranchers. It should also reduce negative environmental impacts on soil, water, biodiversity, and climate, and promote equitable and inclusive access to land, farming resources, and food. This narrative review synthesizes U.S. social science literature to identify the key factors that support or impede the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in the U.S. Our analysis reveals seven overarching factors that influence producer decision-making: awareness and knowledge, social factors, psychological factors, technologies and tools, economic factors, implementation capacity, and policies and regulations. The review highlights the critical role of social science in navigating complexity and uncertainty. Key priorities emerging from the literature include developing measurable, outcome-based programs; ensuring credible communication through trusted intermediaries; and designing tailored interventions. The findings demonstrate that initiatives will succeed when they emphasize measurable benefits, address uncertainties, and develop programs that capitalize on identified opportunities while overcoming existing barriers.

Keywords: agricultural producers; sustainable practices; conservation programs; social sciences; adoption (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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