The role of experience exchange groups in farmers' practice transitions: the case of reduced tillage in Danish conventional farming. Issue 8 (13th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hansen, Emilie Marie Øst; Egmose, Jonas; Lund, Søren; Hauggaard-Nielsen, Henrik
• Is Part Of: Agroecology and sustainable food systems. Volume 44:Issue 8(2020)
• Page Start: 1012
• Page End: 1032
• Publication Date: 2020-09-13
• Subjects: Experience exchange groups for farmers -- temperate conservation agriculture -- transition -- practice -- adoption; Sustainable agriculture -- Periodicals; Agricultural ecology -- Periodicals; 577.55
• DOI: 10.1080/21683565.2020.1726550
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2168-3565

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study examined the adoption by farmers of reduced tillage practices in Danish conventional farming by means of observation and interviews with farmers involved in an experience exchange group. It identified why these farmers began reducing tillage, how they succeeded with it and what hindrances they encountered in the context of Danish conventional farming. The study found that experience exchange groups for farmers play a vital role in their rediscovery of the interrelations between agriculture and nature and of the fundamental importance of soil life and processes. The repetitive nature of interactions in a group like this may lead to the permanent adoption of sustainable practices.