Freins et motivations à la diversification des cultures dans les exploitations agricoles: étude de cas en Vendée

Abstract

Regarding environmental challenges, crop diversification provides some of the answers. Nevertheless, whatever the strengths, some weak points come up: low economical interest, knowledge of technical practices, lack of chain value and industry organization providing outlets and value. The authors present the results of a case study conducted in France (Pays de la Loire). Among the determining criteria identified in the study, which can turn into an incentive or disincentive factor, we can list: (1) turn-around time and location of the diversification crop inside the rotation, (2) environmental constraints (soil quality, soils sensibility to drought), (3) the work required and complexity of the cultural practices, (5) the potential synergy with stockbreeding and (6) technical support. If economic performance of those crops appears to be often considered too low, the study underlines how the lack of knowledge about diversification encourages farmers-respondents to adopt a wait and see attitude. © 2013 A. Merrien et al., published by EDP Sciences.