Irish Organics, Innovation and Farm Collaboration: A Pathway to Farm Viability and Generational Renewal

Abstract

The family farm has been the pillar of rural society for decades, stabilising rural economies and strengthening social and cultural traditions. Nonetheless, family farm numbers across Europe are declining as farmers endeavour to overcome issues of climate change, viability, farm structural change and intergenerational farm succession. Issues around farm viability and a lack of innovative agricultural practices play a key role in succession decisions, preventing older farmers from passing on the farm, and younger farmers from taking up the mantel. A multifunctional farming environment, however, increasingly encourages family farms to embrace diversity and look towards innovative and sustainable practices. Across the European Union, organic farming has always been a strong diversification option, and although, historically, its progress was limited within an Irish context, its popularity is growing. To examine the impact of organic farm diversification on issues facing the Irish farm family, this paper draws on a qualitative case study with a group of Irish organic farmers engaged in the Maximising Organic Production System (MOPS) EIP-AGRI Project. The case study was constructed using a phased approach where each stage shaped the next. This started with a desk-based analysis, then moving on to semi-structured interviews and a focus group, which were then consolidated with a final feedback session. Data gathering occurred in mid to late 2020. Research results reveal the uptake of innovative practices not only improve farm viability, but also encourage the next generation of young farmers to commit to the family farm and consider farming long-term.

Engagement of new entrants in mountain farming through the lens of generativity: Lack of family farming background and its implications in Alpine Austria and Italy

“…The implementation of (retro‐)innovative management methods may also apply to family farmers in the case‐study regions and beyond, as shown by Farrell et al. (2021) or Lähdesmäki and Vesala (2022), using organic farming as an example. However, our fieldwork reveals that family farmers encounter difficulties when deviating from mainstream management.…”

How digital communications contribute to shaping the career paths of youth: a review study focused on farming as a career option

“…Stringer et al ( 2020 ) also looks at farmers involved with "movements" centered on farming practices (e.g., slow food, gastronomic movements, artisanal farming) and reports an increased market share of these types of farming in recent years. An article by Farrell et al ( 2022 ) reflects on the opportunity of the organic movement to encourage the next generation of young farmers to commit to the family farm and consider organic farming as a long-term career goal.…”

Generation Change in Agriculture: A Systematic Review of the Literature

“…Other industries can offer them more attractive prospects (Kondo 2021;Bosselmann 2012). Today, the young generation is much more mobile than their ancestors, so there are more learning opportunities, which means that fewer are willing to return home and farm after finishing their education (Farrell et al 2021). However, motivation is positively affected by the spread of new agricultural technologies (for instance, drones, milking robots, automatic steering tractors, etc.).…”

“…This is linked to urbanization and internal migration, as today the mobility of people is greater than before. Farrell et al (2021), investigating Irish agriculture, mentioned that young people who leave the farm due to further education have a chance of returning if they receive different subsidies in agriculture to start organic farming. The study developed by Popa and Turek Rahoveanu (2021) while researching Olt County in Romania found that education plays an important role in the decision to abandon, start, or continue farming.…”