Contract Farming: A Bridge or a Chasm Towards Sustainable Agriculture?

Our research focused on contract farming, an arrangement where farmers and buyers agree to adhere to certain environmentally-friendly practices. This was studied using a sample of 314 wheat farmers in Northern Italy, considering three sustainable practices: varied crop rotation, reducing agrochemicals, and planting flower strips. The study found resistance from farmers to permanently eliminate the use of glyphosate, a common herbicide. However, they were more receptive to varying their crop rotation and the implementation of flower strips. Interestingly, it was observed that highly educated farmers, those not part of cooperatives, and those preferring flexible sales arrangements were less likely to […]