This paper explores the process of adoption of innovations in pig husbandry systems in the Netherlands, related to sustainability challenges that the pig sector is facing. It investigates the factors that influence farmers' decisions to build a new stable, as well as the choice to build either a conventional or a more sustainable stable. It demonstrates the impact of the adopter characteristics (such as age and knowledge), operation characteristics (such as type, size and location of the farm) and institutional setting (such as influence of government and other stakeholders) on these decisions. Jointly these represent the factors that shape the farmer's perception of the adoption of a more sustainable pig husbandry system. In the current policy context there is much interest in knowing how farmers respond to sustainability-oriented policies. Seen in this light it is reassuring that the present study shows that next to profit orientation, a positive attitude (based on knowledge about the environmental impact of farming) towards the environment is needed for the decision to build a more sustainable stable.
PurposeThis paper aims to provide insight in the set‐up and governance of niche (organic, local and/or regional) pork supply chains and networks (netchains) in the UK, Greece, and Spain, characterized by societal embeddedness and differentiation in food production.Design/methodology/approachThe study consists of 29 expert interviews; it compares the different types of netchain innovation trajectories and concludes on each innovation driver and barrier what lessons can be learnt.FindingsThe findings clearly demonstrate the influence of the institutional setting on these netchains; whereas in the UK there is a clear focus on operational excellence and leadership, both in Greece and Spain the focus is on preservation of tradition and culture.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper provides directions for further research based on the conclusion that for niche pork netchains to enjoy market growth, effective netchain driven learning structures are needed to catalyze innovation.Originality/valueAlthough a lot has been written on the adoption of innovations, the combination of the social network theory with innovation adoption theory seems to be absent in the present literature. So whereas normally theory on innovation adoption is looking at adoption of individual innovations, this study is taking a broader perspective by looking at the adoption of a range of innovations on a netchain level.
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