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Do Agricultural Advisory Services in Europe Have the Capacity to Support the Transition to Healthy Soils?

Author

Listed:
  • Julie Ingram

    (Countryside and Community Research Institute, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham GL504AZ, UK)

  • Jane Mills

    (Countryside and Community Research Institute, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham GL504AZ, UK)

  • Jasmine E. Black

    (Countryside and Community Research Institute, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham GL504AZ, UK)

  • Charlotte-Anne Chivers

    (Countryside and Community Research Institute, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham GL504AZ, UK)

  • José A. Aznar-Sánchez

    (Department of Economy and Business, Research Centre on Mediterranean Intensive Agrosystems and Agrifood Biotechnology (CIAIMBITAL), University of Almería, 04129 Almería, Spain)

  • Annemie Elsen

    (Soil Service of Belgium (Bodemkundige Dienst van België) W. de Croylaan 48, 3001 Leuven, Belgium)

  • Magdalena Frac

    (Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4, 20-290 Lublin, Poland)

  • Belén López-Felices

    (Department of Economy and Business, Research Centre on Mediterranean Intensive Agrosystems and Agrifood Biotechnology (CIAIMBITAL), University of Almería, 04129 Almería, Spain)

  • Paula Mayer-Gruner

    (Soil Biology Department, Institute of Soil Science and Land Evaluation, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Kamilla Skaalsveen

    (Department of Soil and Land Use, Division of Environment and Natural Resources, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, NO-1431 Ås, Norway)

  • Jannes Stolte

    (Department of Soil and Land Use, Division of Environment and Natural Resources, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, NO-1431 Ås, Norway)

  • Mia Tits

    (Soil Service of Belgium (Bodemkundige Dienst van België) W. de Croylaan 48, 3001 Leuven, Belgium)

Abstract

The need to provide appropriate information, technical advice and facilitation to support farmers in transitioning towards healthy soils is increasingly clear, and the role of the Agricultural Advisory Services (AAS) in this is critical. However, the transformation of AAS (plurality, commercialisation, fragmentation, decentralisation) brings new challenges for delivering advice to support soil health management. This paper asks: To what extent do agricultural advisory services have the capacity to support the transition to healthy soils across Europe? Using the ‘best fit’ framework, analytical characteristics of the AAS relevant to the research question (governance structures, management, organisational and individual capacities) were identified. Analysis of 18 semi-structured expert interviews across 6 case study countries in Europe, selected to represent a range of contexts, was undertaken. Capacities to provide soil health management (SHM) advice are constrained by funding arrangements, limited adviser training and professional development, adviser motivations and professional cultures, all determined by institutional conditions. This has resulted in a narrowing down of access and content of soil advice and a reduced capacity to support the transition in farming to healthy soils. The extent to which emerging policy and market drivers incentivise enhanced capacities in AAS is an important area for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Julie Ingram & Jane Mills & Jasmine E. Black & Charlotte-Anne Chivers & José A. Aznar-Sánchez & Annemie Elsen & Magdalena Frac & Belén López-Felices & Paula Mayer-Gruner & Kamilla Skaalsveen & Jannes , 2022. "Do Agricultural Advisory Services in Europe Have the Capacity to Support the Transition to Healthy Soils?," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-26, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:11:y:2022:i:5:p:599-:d:797375
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    References listed on IDEAS

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