Theoretical framework to foster and assess sustainable agriculture practices: Drivers and key performance indicators

Abstract

Introducing sustainable practices in farms' value chains to transform their business models into sustainable business models (SBMs) is a priority for farmers and policymakers. This paper first aims to provide a framework for implementing sustainable agriculture practices. We explain managerial practices, key drivers, and the agents involved through different theories and in four main stages. Secondly, using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), we offer an update and a complete list of 133 sustainable (economic, social, and environmental) key performance indicators, which can be used to measure farms' sustainability performance and the success of the SBM applied. Our insights show that there are different drivers that may affect farms’ commitment to sustainability practices. However, the importance of these drivers is not equal. Similarly, not all the agents have the same relevance since this depends on the stage.