Environmental Entrepreneurship in Organic Agriculture in Järna, Sweden

Abstract

The importance of social capital in sustainable development has recently been emphasized in the literature on regional and local development. Entrepreneurs are, by researchers as well as by politicians and policymakers, seen as central in creating local economic development. Organic agriculture is often expected to deliver several services to society, including environmentally friendly food production, thriving rural areas with small-scale farms, and increased biodiversity. However, the synergy effects of environmental entrepreneurs on local development and social sustainability are not well understood. Using semistructured interviews, this article analyzes entrepreneurs engaged in the production, processing and distribution of organic/biodynamic food in a rural Swedish community influenced by anthroposophy. One aim was to identify elements of what constitutes a sustainable community. A dynamic self-organized network of entrepreneurs characterized by economic stability and social capital was observed. The results indicate that the network of environmental entrepreneurs contributes to development in economical, social, and ecological terms. The key to success appears to be a high level of trust and engagement, common norms, reciprocity between the entrepreneurs, and a stable demand from both households and the municipality.