Three-Fold Embedding: Farm Development in Relation to Its Socio-Material Context

Abstract

Understanding heterogeneity in farm development strategies is important in order to design effective policies and support programs to increase the sustainability of agriculture in relation to its socio-material context. Using a unique case study of 102 dairy farmers in The Netherlands, all operating in a highly similar socio-material context, this paper studies the differences in the relation of farms with the socio-material context. To this end, the concept of threefold embedding is developed and tested using the ideal-typical characteristics of three patterns of farm development that were identified in the case study: (1) maximising total milk production; (2) optimising milk production using mainly on-farm resources; and (3) diversified on-farm production. Threefold embedding was conceptualised in relation to the following dimensions: (1) value chain relations; (2) socio-cultural relations; and (3) natural resource relations, while using a scale ranging from a Close to a Stretched set of relations. The concept of threefold embedding proves to be useful to identify in a non-normative and non-binary manner meaningful differences between patterns of farm development. These differences relate to differences in opportunity identification and strategic decision-making. The concept supports a relational perspective in studying farm strategy development using a sociology of entrepreneurship approach.

The Walloon farmers position differently their ideal dairy production system between a global-based intensive and a local-based extensive model of farm

“…The findings of the current study, as confirmed by previous researchers, showed that producers work within a tightly constrained and regulated environment limiting their ability to determine the future of their farm according to their personal desires. This statement was also concluded by Mc Elwee et al [37] and Methorst et al [38]. In the Netherlands, Keizer and Emvalomatis [39] and Groeneveld et al [40] showed that bigger farms are more likely to increase than other farms.…”

“…[ 37 ] and Methorst et al . [ 38 ]. In the Netherlands, Keizer and Emvalomatis [ 39 ] and Groeneveld et al .…”

“…In their study, Methorst et al [13] proved the heterogeneity of farm developments of producers facing the same socio-material context, showing the importance of the mentality of the producers in their decisions. Authors speak about shared values, norms, ways they see themselves or would like to be seen by producers, views, capacities and their perceptions of opportunities and any room for manoeuvre, skills, motives, entrepreneurship, goals and strategies [12,13,36,38,41] as factors which influence farm development. Samson et al [36] discussed experimental economics, which are economics where psychology and biology, which explain human behaviours, are added to better explain the development of enterprises.…”

Agricultural Entrepreneurship in the European Union: Contributions for a Sustainable Development

“…The sustainability of farms is a concern in several countries, namely in those with more environmental problems [70]. A balanced and sustainable relationship between farms and their surrounding context is the main goal for several agricultural stakeholders [71]. Entrepreneurship may bring about interesting contributions to a balanced relationship among the economic, social and environmental dimensions [72,73].…”

How do dairy farmers wish their future farm?

“…In their study, Methorst et al (2017a) [11] proved the heterogeneity of farm developments of producers facing the same socio-material context, showing the importance of the mentality of the producers in their decisions. Authors speak about shared values, norms, ways they see themselves or would like to be seen by producers, views, capacities and their perceptions of opportunities and any room for manoeuvre, skills, motives, entrepreneurship, goals and strategies [10,11,14,29,32] as factors which influence the farm development. Samson et al (2016) [14] discussed experimental economics, which are economics where psychology and biology, which explain human behaviours, are added to better explain the development of enterprises.…”