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Three-Fold Embedding: Farm Development in Relation to Its Socio-Material Context

Author

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  • Ron Methorst

    (Department of Applied Research, Aeres University of Applied Sciences, De Drieslag 4, 8251 JZ Dronten, The Netherlands)

  • Dirk Roep

    (Rural Sociology, Wageningen University and Research, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • Jos Verstegen

    (Wageningen Economic Research, Wageningen University and Research, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • Johannes S. C. Wiskerke

    (Rural Sociology, Wageningen University and Research, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Understanding heterogeneity in farm development strategies is important in order to design effective policies and support programs to increase the sustainability of agriculture in relation to its socio-material context. Using a unique case study of 102 dairy farmers in The Netherlands, all operating in a highly similar socio-material context, this paper studies the differences in the relation of farms with the socio-material context. To this end, the concept of three-fold embedding is developed and tested using the ideal-typical characteristics of three patterns of farm development that were identified in the case study: (1) maximising total milk production; (2) optimising milk production using mainly on-farm resources; and (3) diversified on-farm production. Three-fold embedding was conceptualised in relation to the following dimensions: (1) value chain relations; (2) socio-cultural relations; and (3) natural resource relations, while using a scale ranging from a Close to a Stretched set of relations. The concept of three-fold embedding proves to be useful to identify in a non-normative and non-binary manner meaningful differences between patterns of farm development. These differences relate to differences in opportunity identification and strategic decision-making. The concept supports a relational perspective in studying farm strategy development using a sociology of entrepreneurship approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Ron Methorst & Dirk Roep & Jos Verstegen & Johannes S. C. Wiskerke, 2017. "Three-Fold Embedding: Farm Development in Relation to Its Socio-Material Context," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:10:p:1677-:d:112638
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    8. Ron Methorst & Dirk Roep & Frans Verhees & Jos Verstegen, 2016. "Drivers for differences in dairy farmers’ perceptions of farm development strategies in an area with nature and landscape as protected public goods," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 31(5), pages 554-571, August.
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