Mapping stakeholders' perceptions of agroecological farming practices adoption in Crete, Greece

Abstract

The study explores stakeholder perspectives on the future adoption of agroecological farming practices in Crete over the ten-year period (2020–2030). The aim is to understand the potential effects of such practices on various environmental and socioeconomic aspects, such as ecosystem services, farmers’ work environment, and the rural labour market. Using Q methodology, 26 Q sorts were collected and analysed, resulting in the emergence of three distinct viewpoints: “Interconnected ecological farms”, “Environment & eco-system services”, and “Skills and labour.” Each viewpoint presents distinct considerations regarding the adoption of agroecological farming, ranging from the prediction of increased cooperation among farms to the potential impacts on the rural economy and water quality. The findings emphasize the importance of tailoring agricultural advisory and training services to accommodate bottom-up diverse learning styles among farmers. Q methodology proves to be a valuable tool for understanding complex and uncertain future scenarios, offering insights into regional policy establishment to promote sustainable and ecologically friendly farming practices. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of literature on Q methodology’s versatility in understanding stakeholder perspectives and informing policy decisions in agriculture and related fields.