Evidence from the ground: Insights into collaborative farming for generational renewal

Abstract

Generational renewal in the agricultural industry is highlighted as an important issue in the 2023–2027 Common Agricultural Policy, with an emphasis on an aging farming population and a decline in younger farmers as elements of particular concern. Collaborative farming is recognised as a key facilitator of generational renewal within the industry, however collaborative arrangements remain relatively new in Irish agriculture. The objective of this study is to develop a deeper understanding of the operation of collaborative farming arrangements through semi-structure interviews with agricultural advisors and farmers. The evidence gathered highlights numerous benefits associated with the operation of collaborative arrangements and adds to the literature in this respect. Importantly, this study makes a significant contribution by acknowledging that there are many barriers to the establishment of collaborative arrangements and challenges experienced while operating them, issues which have not been widely discussed in the prior literature. Another notable contribution of this study relates to the insights provided surrounding the breakdown of collaborative arrangements. In addition, by adopting a strategic decision-making perspective to collaborative farming, a “Collaborative Farming Matrix” is developed as an analytical tool to provide a deeper understanding of the emerging findings. The holistic overview of collaborative farming arrangements provided, highlights important insights for farmers, agricultural advisors, and policymakers, who strive to facilitate generational renewal through participation in such arrangements.