Abstract: Supporting glyphosate withdrawal is a pressing issue in most countries. Understanding the practices and change trajectories of farmers who have successfully given up glyphosate seems a relevant way to produce knowledge to support such transition.
In this study, we focused on orchard production and aimed at developing agronomic knowledge about alternative in-row weed management practices.
Using an on-farm innovation tracking approach, we uncovered innovative practices developed by 18 fruit growers in France, and we deciphered these practices using the action logic framework.
Our study showed that farmers implemented very diverse weed management practices, influenced by individual satisfaction criteria, specific features of the orchard and its local environment. These practices were shaped over time, following a step-by-step evolution of the farmer’s action logic.== Drawing from farmers’ experiences, we identified the specific conditions for success of each practice and formulated four generic action logics concerning glyphosate-free fruit crops, which could serve as a basis for supporting change in other farms.
Comparing our results with the contents available on the national dedicated online platform designed to support glyphosate withdrawal, we highlight important gaps: current resources provide limited options deemed feasible and offer insufficient guidance for selecting and adapting alternatives to specific situations.
This article discusses propositions for improving the content of resources designed to support changes on farms.
Le Merlus, Emma and Meynard, Jean-Marc and Morrisson, Marie-Thérèse and Jeuffroy, Marie-Hélène, A Systemic Analysis of Farmers’ Innovative Practices to Give Up Glyphosate in Orchards. Pre-print.
