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Autonomy under contract: the case of traditionalfree-range poultry farmers

Author

Listed:
  • Cécile J.M. Adam

    (Université de Toulouse, INP, ENVT, UMR 1225, IHAP, 23 chemin des capelles, 31076 Toulouse,France)

  • Christian P.M. Ducrot

    (EPIA, INRA, VetAgro Sup, 63122 Saint Genès Champanelle, France)

  • Mathilde C. Paul

    (Université de Toulouse, INP, ENVT, UMR 1225, IHAP, 23 chemin des capelles, 31076 Toulouse,France)

  • Nicolas Fortané

    (INRA, UR1323 RiTME 65 boulevard de Brandebourg, 94025 Ivry sur Seine cedex, France)

Abstract

This article explores the autonomy developed by free-range poultryfarmers in their daily work. In this type of livestock production, farmers are linkedby a contract to a farmer organization, to which they sell their broilers in exchangefor a payment resembling a salary. The farmers do have autonomy in their work,whichisframedbyasetofprescriptionsandrules.Astheyexperiencethesameconstraints, farmers involved in the same production mode develop a collectiveidentity. Relationships of confidence progressively develop between the farmersand their technical staff (veterinary practitioners and production technicians).These good relationships strengthen the collective identity while also enablingthe collective work between the three professionals. Veterinary practitioners andproduction technicians consecutively share some of the constraints and transferpart of their decision-making to the farmers. The latter thereby acquire moreautonomy, even in fields apparently out of their reach. We illustrate the latter ideawith the example of antimicrobial use. We observe that while strictly supervisedby veterinary practitioners, farmers nevertheless manage to get involved in thedecision underlying the prescription of antimicrobials.

Suggested Citation

  • Cécile J.M. Adam & Christian P.M. Ducrot & Mathilde C. Paul & Nicolas Fortané, 2017. "Autonomy under contract: the case of traditionalfree-range poultry farmers," Review of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Studies, INRA Department of Economics, vol. 98(1-2), pages 55-74.
    • Handle: RePEc:rae:jouraf:v:98:y:2017:i:1-2:p:55-74
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    File URL: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs41130-017-0044-7.pdf
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Bonnaud, Laure & Fortané, Nicolas, 2021. "Being a vet: the veterinary profession in social science research," Review of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Studies, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), vol. 102(1), April.
    2. Eulalie Ramat & Lucie Gouttenoire & Nathalie Girard, 2023. "How do farmers choose the professionals with whom they work to ensure herd health management? An approach based on the diversity of prescription systems in dairy cattle farming," Review of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Studies, Springer, vol. 104(2), pages 217-242, June.
    3. Laure Bonnaud & Nicolas Fortané, 2021. "Being a vet: the veterinary profession in social science research," Review of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Studies, Springer, vol. 102(2), pages 125-149, June.

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