Analysis of factors that influence adoption of agroecological practices in viticulture

Abstract

AbstractPublic policy reforms and consumer requirements for the environment have raised awareness among winegrowers of the need to review their farming practices. This renewal of production aims for high economic, environmental, and social performance, as well as product quality. Therefore, it often assumes changes in farming practices due to adoption of agroecological practices (AEP). However, adopting these changes depends not only on demonstrating positive economic and environmental impacts of AEP but also positive social impacts. This study investigated winegrowers’ perceptions of AEP and analyzed the most important drivers of adoption of AEP. It was based on quantitative economic and sociological data from a survey of winegrowers in the Loire Valley (France). An original scoring method was used to identify adopters and non-adopters of AEP. Then, a logit econometric model was used to explore statistically significant relations between the adoption of AEP and internal and external farm variables. Results confirmed that winegrowers’ perceptions converged with the results of the econometric analysis. AEP were adopted mainly by winegrowers sensitive to human health. Adoption also depended on the context and type of AEP: wine tourism activities on the farm, environmental training, and sales revenue were positively correlated with the adoption of AEP. However, the absence of partners, vineyard area and winemaking on the farm were negatively correlated with adoption. Thus, public and private agricultural actors should consider these influential factors to increase adoption of AEP by farmers.