Why wheat farmers could reduce chemical inputs: evidence from social, economic, and agronomic analysis

Abstract

Though European policies recommend pesticide reduction, most farmers still manage their crops with a high level of chemical inputs, notably in arable crop-based systems. Factors influencing farmers' practices and the reasons why they do not adopt alternative techniques are not well-known. Actual reports on that topic are based on monodisciplinary analyses either in agronomy, sociology, or economics, whereas farmers' motives are most probably manifold. Therefore, we surveyed winter wheat agricultural practices to understand the factors influencing the choice of crop management plans implemented by farmers. We interviewed 71 farmers in the French Department of Eure-et-Loir. Results revealed three main types of practices depending on inputs and wheat yield: (1) 29 % of farmers use low levels of inputs and get low yield, (2) 38 % of farmers use medium levels of inputs and get high yield, (3) 33 % of farmers use high levels of inputs and get medium yield. We found that the medium-input type is the most efficient with better economic results whatever the wheat price. On the other hand, the high-input type has a lower economic performance. We showed that farm profile, individual motives, and social commitments explain the level of input use. High-input practices are often implemented by farmers who have less family labor availability and who rarely join extension groups, whereas low-input practices are conducted by farmers bearing civic responsibilities and showing environmental awareness. The novelty of our study is to use a multidisciplinary analysis to take into account agronomic, social, and economic factors

Agricultural Practice in Poland Before and After Mandatory IPM Implementation by the European Union

“…Surveys have confirmed this trend; awareness of farmers of IPM methods and their usage rises in conjunction with increased farm area. Nave et al [41] described three plant protection strategies that farmers generally apply. In the first strategy, producers restrict the use of plant protection products and at the same time, use practices that reduce pest pressure.…”

Eight principles of integrated pest management

“…Information flow, level of cooperation, and inclusion of a diversity of viewpoints have been shown to influence adoption of environmentally friendly practices as much as economics (Schenk et al 2007). The social capital and involvement of farmers in professional networks can explain engagement in environmental schemes (Mathijs 2003) and adoption of low input practices (Nave et al 2013). A social sciences study (ENDURE 2010b) showed that nearly all farmers moving along the continuum were active members of farmer organizations, whereas isolated farmers were less likely to engage in IPM.…”

Performances of Durum Wheat Varieties Under Conventional and No-Chemical Input Management Systems in a Semiarid Mediterranean Environment

“…Low input and organic farming systems have been generally shown to improve environmental sustainability and food safety with potential benefits for health of animals including humans, although a lower and variable productive performance compared with conventional farming systems has been highlighted [3,4]. The use of synthetic fertilizers and agrochemicals within European agricultural systems does not decrease appreciably, although lately the EU policy has implemented a number of recommendations and directives to encourage a drastic reduction of chemical inputs in a sustainability perspective [5]. Fertility management of the soil, particularly the nitrogen (N) availability, is considered the main critical factor limiting both grain yield and protein content in cereal crops.…”