Niche–Regime Interactions of Organic Model Farmers in Bavaria, Germany: Linking Activities of Individual Farmers

Abstract

Organic farming is seen as a promising alternative in the transition to more sustainable agri-food systems. Within the multi-level perspective (MLP) framework for such transitions, the linkage between the innovative niche and the dominant regime is considered crucial. We explore the linkage activities of individual organic model farmers through farm webs that were created based on semi-structured interviews. As the agri-food transition’s designated executing actors, individual organic model farmers must be understood as change agents. This research shows that these model farmers show high levels of linking activities, but each engages in a variety of linkages that are put together individually. This research reveals the reasons for choosing specific linkages, revealing the varying potential impacts of organic model farmers and their relevance in the transition process, and emphasizes the need for tailored policies that support farmers in adopting sustainable farming practices.