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Beyond the story of the LEADER projects: Are organic farmers actors of multifunctionality and rural development?

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  • Jiří, Průša
  • Ondřej, Konečný
  • Jiří, Hrabák
  • Michal, Lošťák

Abstract

Multifunctionality embedded in the neo-endogenous model of rural development and manifested through the LEADER approach typifies a new rural development paradigm, which is implemented by various actors. The focus of this paper is on the organic farmer as an actor who has a high degree of multifunctionality and importance in community-led local development. The research question behind this paper is whether such ideas are valid for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (in this case, Czechia). This paper examines the multifunctionality of agriculture and rural development through the prism of organic farmers who participated in LEADER approach supported projects from 2007 to 2013. It aims to identify how organic farmers engage in the LEADER approach and the impacts of the projects implemented by them (the thematic and spatial dimensions of the research). The results of a specially designed method of heuristic interventional investigation show that the projects implemented by organic farmers (namely, those operating large farms of 100–250 ha) implemented under the LEADER approach in 2007–2013 stimulated and stabilised development in localities that were threatened by disadvantageous social and economic circumstances. These projects contributed to the resilience of outlying districts with small settlements, a fact which though positive, suggests an uneven geographical implementation of the LEADER approach. The results came through utilising the endogenous potentials of nature and human origin, with land and landscape as a tourist attraction. However, organic farmers in Czechia are not yet fully exploiting their potential to become truly multifunctional and genuine actors in rural development. They utilise LEADER projects primarily for the purchase of farm machinery and technology or for other investments in farming. This is because of the prevailing need to continue building the organic sector, which has only been in emergence since 1989. Investments in agricultural production may result in organic farming becoming conventionalised and linked with productivism, thereby limiting its multifunctionality. Conversely, the research also found projects that reveal a multifunctional approach, particularly in relation to sustainability, which itself correlates with strong multifunctionality.

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  • Jiří, Průša & Ondřej, Konečný & Jiří, Hrabák & Michal, Lošťák, 2022. "Beyond the story of the LEADER projects: Are organic farmers actors of multifunctionality and rural development?," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 116(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:lauspo:v:116:y:2022:i:c:s0264837722000734
    DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2022.106046
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