Sustainability transitions in the agri-food sector: How ecology affects transition dynamics

Abstract

In this paper, we study sustainability transitions in agriculture and highlight several elements that distinguish transition dynamics in this sector from those more frequently studied in the socio-technical transitions literature. Our assumption is that ecological dimensions of agricultural systems affect transition dynamics. We illustrate this by focusing on two central characteristics related to biodiversity conservation: place-based embeddedness and the public goods’ character of biodiversity. A qualitative, multiple-case study was conducted on the Dutch dairy sector by carrying out 22 in-depth interviews. We show how change in the agricultural sector is strongly geographically embedded and dependent on regime actors who need to be enabled and incentivized to partake in the transition process. Due to the public goods’ character of biodiversity, there is a strong focus on the development of institutional novelty. Dynamics of change show a specific fit between ecological conditions and innovation.