Sustainable Futures for New Generations of Farmers

Sustainable Futures for New Generations of Farmers aims to accelerate Denmark’s transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, focusing on the agricultural sector, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Despite recent policy successes, green policy resistance persists among farmers due to economic concerns. This project seeks to address this resistance by shifting the focus from technological fixes to the sociological acceptance of green policies. It aims to engage young farmers’ associations to foster a pro-environmental identity among farmers, thereby reducing opposition to necessary reforms.

Led by University of Southern Denmark academics Vincent Charles Keating and Egon Bjørnshave Noe; and in cooperation with Den Grønne Ungdoms bevægelse, Landbo Ungdom and L&F Centrovice; the project explores how rural identity influences resistance to carbon neutrality plans and identify opportunities to promote the value of the green transition. The project will involve a multi-stakeholder innovation process, utilizing a framework of multiple-loop learning to encourage farmers to reflect on their relationship with climate change and policy.

The project will begin with interviews with farmers to understand their identity and environmental attitudes. Focus group workshops will then be conducted to challenge and expand farmers’ perspectives on environmental policies. The next phase involves developing future farming scenarios with young farmers to align values and policies. These findings will then be presented at a national conference to key stakeholders to gauge support and foster collaboration. Finally, the project will establish sustainability plans and evaluate its impact on farmers’ identities and practices.

By engaging young farmers and leveraging their potential as environmental stewards, the project aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for green policies, ultimately contributing to Denmark’s carbon neutrality goals.

“Sustainable Futures for New Generations of Farmers” aims to help Denmark achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, focusing on the agricultural sector, which is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Despite recent policy successes, farmers often resist green policies due to economic concerns. This project, led by University of Southern Denmark academics Vincent Charles Keating and Egon Bjørnshave Noe, in cooperation in farmers and young farmers’ groups, seeks to change this by identifying the possibility of pro-environmental identities among farmers, which would make green policies more acceptable. The project involves interviews and workshops to understand farmers’ attitudes and develop future farming scenarios. These findings will be shared at a national conference to gain support from key stakeholders. By promoting environmental stewardship among young farmers, the project aims to create a more supportive environment for green policies, helping Denmark reach its climate goals.