DeLong, A.; Swisher, M.E.; Chase, C.A.; Irani, T.; Ruiz-Menjivar, J. The Roots of First-Generation Farmers: The Role of Inspiration in Starting an Organic Farm. Land2023, 12, 1169.
DeLong, A.; Swisher, M.E.; Chase, C.A.; Irani, T.; Ruiz-Menjivar, J. The Roots of First-Generation Farmers: The Role of Inspiration in Starting an Organic Farm. Land 2023, 12, 1169.
DeLong, A.; Swisher, M.E.; Chase, C.A.; Irani, T.; Ruiz-Menjivar, J. The Roots of First-Generation Farmers: The Role of Inspiration in Starting an Organic Farm. Land2023, 12, 1169.
DeLong, A.; Swisher, M.E.; Chase, C.A.; Irani, T.; Ruiz-Menjivar, J. The Roots of First-Generation Farmers: The Role of Inspiration in Starting an Organic Farm. Land 2023, 12, 1169.
Abstract
This research aimed to determine salient factors affecting the decision to become a beginning organic farmer. New and beginning organic farmers have unique characteristics, showcasing their dedication to environmental justice and social justice at the expense of their own businesses. This research employed a multiple-case case study design. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 first-generation farmers who operate organic farms in Arkansas, Florida, or Georgia. We analyzed interview transcripts using the qualitative analysis approach of coding. Our results revealed the reasons that people with little practical knowledge start farms. They are inspired by those around them who succeed and encouraged by influential characters in the field who assure them they can do something they love and be profitable. This research showed that first-generation farmers find inspiration and develop values rooted in food justice. Our findings have implications for developing and implementing current and future programmatic activities that aim to enhance beginning farmer training and workforce development. Identifying sources of inspiration will help researchers and service providers target newer and beginning farmers to support a vibrant food system, including a burgeoning market opportunity, developing strong communities around food, and building grassroots solutions.
Keywords
farmers; first-generation; decision-making; young farmers; beginning farmers
Subject
Social Sciences, Decision Sciences
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
