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Explaining the non-economic behaviour of farm foresters: The effect of productivist and lifestyle motivations
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2012
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Howley, P., Hynes, S. and O Donoghue, C. (2012) Explaining the non-economic behaviour of farm foresters: The effect of productivist and lifestyle motivations. REDP Working Paper Series 12-WP-RE-03
Abstract
Currently rates of planting lag far behind levels that would be expected from a
comparison of the returns from farm forestry with competing agricultural alternatives.
Previous research has focused on the role of economic factors such as government
subsidies, returns from competing agricultural alternatives and structural farm factors
in explaining the decision to afforest. By examining the role of farming attitudes and
motivations, the aim of this paper is to provide a framework for better understanding
farmers’ behaviour in relation to the decision to enter into forestry. The results
provide rare quantitative evidence that strong lifestyle and productivist motivations
significantly affect farmers’ behaviour. Environmental values and perceptions
regarding the extent to which forestry is seen as a component of a natural landscape
were two further factors found to affect the probability of participation. We conclude
that the design of policies aimed at encouraging changes in farm activities ought to be
guided by a better understanding of the motivations and attitudes of farm operators.