Veganic farming in the United States: farmer perceptions, motivations, and experiences

Abstract

Veganic agriculture, often described as farming that is free of synthetic and animal-based inputs, represents an alternative to chemical-based industrial agriculture and the prevailing alternative, organic agriculture, respectively. Despite the promise of veganic methods in diverse realms such as food safety, environmental sustainability, and animal liberation, it has a small literature base. This article draws primarily on interviews conducted in 2018 with 25 veganic farmers from 19 farms in the United States to establish some baseline empirical research on this farming community. Its qualitative perspectives illuminate farmer perceptions of and experiences with veganic growing, including definitions, knowledge acquisition, values, and challenges. Results highlight a lack of agreement about the meaning of veganic agriculture in terms of allowable inputs and scope. Participants have drawn on a wide array of veganic and non-veganic resources to ascend their veganic production learning curves, also relying on experimentation and trial-and-error. Their farming is motivated by a diversity of real and perceived benefits, most notably consistency with veganism, food safety advantages, and plant and soil health benefits. Veganic product sourcing and the dearth of veganic agriculture-specific resources present considerable challenges to farmers. The article briefly discusses possibilities for developing veganic agriculture in the United States, such as through a US-based certification system and farmers’ associations, based on considerations of the trajectory of the US organic farming movement and veganic developments in Europe. Finally, the article suggests the importance of expanded research into soil health and fertility in plant-based systems to support practicing and potential veganic farmers.

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

“…In the agri-business literature, the use of social media seems to play an important role among actors in the farming sector through the linking of people and ideas (see Bowen and Morris 2019 for a review). Furthermore, online informal networks (e.g., vegan organic networks) are most of the time involved with information sharing initiatives via websites or YouTube videos, with these information sources often being cited as important resources for learning farming practices online (Seymour and Utter 2021 ).…”

“…Within the urban agriculture literature, the socio-economic behavioral impacts of food movements are reported to facilitate collaboration, innovation and socio-economic organization, such as for community-shared gardens, food-sharing and urban food systems (Hearn et al 2014 ). Seymour and Utter’s ( 2021 ) findings displaying that, most of the time, vegan farmers identify a personal or political commitment to the veganism movement as a primary reason for their veganic approach to farming. An article by Dolci and Perrin ( 2018 ) explores the impact of the back-to-the-land movement on neo-farmers and their strong emotional motivations that are reflected in both their farming methods and their changing way of life in rural regions.…”

Discourses of sustainability and imperial modes of food provision: agri-food-businesses and consumers in Germany

“…These practices are still more common, yet equally endangered, in the South and they are also part of global movements of social justice. Thirdly, advocating for veganism or flexitarianism as a dietary choice of individuals is insufficient as that bias foregoes the need to de-imperialise agriculture by reducing animal agriculture in absolute terms and by including novel agricultural movements such as vegan organic agriculture (Arcari 2017;Hirth 2021;Fuchs et al 2016;Nobari 2021;Seymour and Utter 2021).…”

Expanding recognition and inclusion of animal-free organic agriculture in the sustainable agriculture movement

“…There is support available on behalf of the organizations offering the three agricultural standards for AFOA, as well as from other grassroots actors. However, in the US for instance, there appear to be no opportunities for students enrolled in sustainable agriculture majors, minors, graduate degree programs, certificate programs, and farmer training programs to learn the principles and practices associated with various forms of animal-free farming (Seymour and Utter, 2021). The situation is likely similar in other world regions.…”

“…While there is a small research literature on plant-based fertility, more extensive coverage of fertilizers, crops, and soil types would facilitate more comprehensive and precise formal education on AFOA. It would also assist farmers who are starting out or transitioning outside of the support offered by AFOA certifying organizations, as there is reportedly a strong element of experimentation with soil fertility as part of the AFOA learning curve (Seymour and Utter, 2021). An interesting research example, focused on a variety of management practices and outcomes including and beyond fertility, is the US-based Rodale Institute's Farming Systems Trial (FST).…”