Transitioning Towards Small-Scale Farming: Insights from Indiana
Abstract
Small-scale agriculture has become increasingly recognized as a means to promote local economic development and environmental sustainability. Yet, the current definitions and categorizations of small-scale farms and farmers are vague, neither accounting for the heterogeneity of the small-scale farmer population, nor sufficiently addressing who these farmers are, why they choose to farm, and what they represent. Our research focused on better understanding this population of farmers in Indiana. We used a qualitative approach to assess the social and working lives of small-scale agricultural producers. Specifically, we examine small-scale farms and farmers through the lens of the socially-constructed concepts of identity and community, and how these two concepts impact Indiana small-scale farming operations. Through qualitative interviews, we documented and discussed Indiana small-scale farmers’: (1) farming background and history, (2) current farming, business management and marketing knowledge and practices, (3) farming identity and community, (4) information and resources, and (5) successes and challenges in starting and operating a farm. Our findings indicate that these farmers share multi-dimensional experiences of starting and sustaining a farm, face unique challenges over time and at multiple scales, make important distinctions between their own work as small-scale farmers in contrast to other types of farmers, and that the complex intersection of their farming identities and communities is a crucial element shaping their social and working lives as farmers. Together, these insights can be used to inform the development of support infrastructure to assist these farmers in novel ways.
Degree
M.Sc.F.
Advisors
Ma, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Cultural anthropology|Social research|Agriculture|Natural Resource Management
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