Conversion to organic farming increases dairy farmers’ satisfaction independently of the strategies implemented

Abstract

Farmers in Europe are increasingly converting to organic farming. For farmers, the conversion is an uncertain period that requires multiple changes to comply with organic regulations while not obtaining the organic price for products. Previous research findings highlight the multiple risks of converting to organic farming, but they tend to neglect farmers' satisfaction during the conversion. Our objective was to investigate whether and how farmers could improve their satisfaction during the conversion to organic. We surveyed a sample of 19 dairy farms in Aveyron, France, from 2016 (their last year as conventional) to 2018. We (i) characterised the evolution of dairy farmers' satisfaction and the conversion strategies implemented from the last year of conventional farming up to the end of the conversion to organic, and (ii) identified which conversion strategies improved farmers' satisfaction the most. Satisfaction was assessed by farmers regarding economic, agronomic, livestock-related, and social aspects as well as work conditions. We ran principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC), and partial least squares (PLS) regression to analyse the data. Our results revealed that all farmers were satisfied after conversion to organic. All observed conversion strategies were oriented towards pasture-based grazing systems and a reduction in land use and herd management intensities. It was not possible to relate specific conversion strategies to specific changes in patterns of satisfaction. This study was the first trying to relate the evolution of farmers' satisfaction to changes in farming practices during the conversion to organic. In showing the strong increase in farmers' satisfaction during the conversion to organic, our results strongly contrast with previous studies that highlighted the multiple risks of converting to organic farming. When supporting farmers considering a conversion, local advisers may consider farmers' objectives and their potential satisfaction regarding their achievements beyond the risks of not obtaining the organic price for products immediately.

Livestock farmers’ working conditions in agroecological farming systems. A review

“…However, the results were aggregated, making it impossible to understand which dimensions contributed to the overall score and how. Even though the majority of the farmers interviewed were satisfied with their working conditions after the conversion to organic farming, the results showed that not all farmers' working conditions had evolved positively, and not all farmers were satisfied with their current working conditions (Bouttes et al 2020).…”

“…To our knowledge, such a multidimensional approach has not yet been used to study livestock farmers' working conditions. Bouttes et al (2020) analyzed the evolution, during the conversion to organic farming, of dairy farmers' satisfaction levels concerning their work conditions, economic, agronomic, livestock-related, and social issues. To study dairy farmers' satisfaction regarding their working conditions after conversion to organic farming, they used multiple dimensions: workload, the perceived difficulty of seasonal and year-round tasks, and the free time available to cope with unexpected events or non-professional activities.…”

“…These factors are known to contribute to how farmers themselves appreciate their profession (Servière et al 2019a). They also should include social interactions with neighbors, colleagues, and persons outside the farming community who can provide support to farmers in their daily work (e.g., by sharing work or risks or providing emotional support) (Bouttes et al 2020).…”

Animal Welfare and Farmers' Satisfaction in Small-Scale Dairy Farms in the Eastern Alps: A “One Welfare” Approach

“…Loose housing is perceived as more natural for the animals than tie-stall and, thus, increases the social acceptance of farming ( 63 ). On the other hand, quality scheme certification is also associated with social benefits ( 64 , 65 ). Surprisingly, FA is little related to milk price (SL: 0.14).…”

Psychological and Physical Health of Organic and Conventional Farmers: A Review

“…[41]. Bouttes et al (2018; reported data about farmers' satisfaction, especially during conversion to organic farming [42,43]. Other satisfaction measures were collected by Sullivan et al (1996), with well-being and stress measures [44].…”