Row crop farmers are willing to adopt conservation practices and believe that doing so improves their profitability in the long run. However, “they don’t feel that they can, or should, individually shoulder the burden of the agronomic and financial risks associated with adopting new practices.” That’s according to new research from Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, in partnership with Trust in Food and Aimpoint Research.
Based on a survey of 500 American farmers, The State of Sustainable Ag finds that:
- Nearly all survey respondents are currently implementing to some extent, or have tried, at least one conservation practice.
- Six in 10 farmers (62%) believe that implementing conservation practices typically improves a farming operation’s long-term profitability.
- However, only 15% have received better market access or additional revenue because of implemented conservation farming practices.
- 74% believe farmers should receive monetary incentives for utilizing certain production practices that benefit the public good.
Field to Market President Rod Snyder said, “This research demonstrates that farmers understand the long-term benefit of conservation practices; however, short-term risks to productivity and profitability often create barriers to adoption.
“The entire value chain must work together to strengthen the business case for sustainability through science-based, data driven and locally relevant solutions.”