Dissertation about sustainable agriculture changes & (lack of) consideration of farmer interests/livelihoods (Scottish/English farmers)

[FarmerPerspectives]

Hello,

I'm writing a dissertation about recent/planned changes in agriculture intended to make it more environmentally sustainable in Scotland and England. These kinds of changes are supposed to help everyone, but a common problem is that farmers' interests/livelihoods are not properly considered in the design of these changes. By missing this important aspect, the changes/policies can result in injustice/unfairness in the food supply.
With this survey (or interview if you're willing) I would like to get Scottish and English farmers' perspectives on the problems caused by sustainable agriculture policies, unfairness in agriculture, and future expectations you have. There's also space for any positive opportunities you see.
This survey is for all kinds of farmers working in Scotland or England; livestock, arable, and mixed, or even those who work closely with farmers and think they can speak accurately on the topic.

The survey link is here: https://survey.uu.nl/jfe/form/SV_7QBkmZ6Ymwna8Um
There are 18 questions, mostly multiple-choice, but with room for explanations. I know written explanations take longer, but I'd greately appreciate the extra information they provide.

If you have questions, or would rather have a spoken interview over the phone, you can email me at [email protected]
PS; I checked with a mod first and they said this sub-forum makes the most sense to post this here.

 

[Wood field]

I got to farm type , no tick box for sheep

 

[FarmerPerspectives]

I got to farm type , no tick box for sheep

Don't know how I forgot about that, sorry. I've edited it now. Thank you for pointing out that mistake

 

[Pilatus]

@FarmerPerspectives .
I think members would very much appreciate it if you could , tell us about yourself, age, background ,what are you doing, hoping to do, as none of the above mentioned in your, thread.

 

[FarmerPerspectives]

I think members would very much appreciate it if you could , tell us about yourself, age, background ,what are you doing, hoping to do, as none of the above mentioned in your, thread.

Good point, I was trying to keep it short but it's nice to mention.
My name's Stefan, 25 years old, studying in the Netherlands but I come from Aberdeen. I'm doing a master's program called Sustainable Business, the study is broad enough to focus on many different topics. I chose to look at problems that directly effect people in supply chains, like workers rights/welfare, and injustice/unfairness caused by sustainability policy. With this specific dissertation, the idea is that if changes designed to help people happen, it shouldn't happen at the cost of others where people get ignored. So I wanted to see any specific patterns in problems/sources of problems farmers perceive related to sustainability changes.
Having browsed around on this forum, through magazines/articles, etc I already see some things, like how the SFI obstructs typical farming and replaces it with thing that aren't farming, but I'd like to ask some specific questions too, so I made the survey.
The point of finding this commonly perceived problems is to see common issues that arise here and elsewhere with sustainability changes, and address them properly to stop people being left behind if the changes go through. Of course I can't promise any actual changes will come about from this research, but ideally in the future I'd like to be part of designing better changes where possible.

 

[melted welly]

You are Dutch?

interested as to what interests you in UK policy

Edit. Answered above.

 

[FarmerPerspectives]

You are Dutch?

interested as to what interests you in UK policy

Edit. Answered above.

Half Scottish half Dutch, yeah. Although another reason for looking at the UK was because Brexit could/can give the UK an opportunity to shape itself more independantly, but from some of the talks I've had so far the government has mostly mirrored EU policies anyway, so Brexit hasn't had many implications specifically in that regard. Although operating costs may have changed of course.

 

[lux-ferre]

Half Scottish half Dutch, yeah. Although another reason for looking at the UK was because Brexit could/can give the UK an opportunity to shape itself more independantly, but from some of the talks I've had so far the government has mostly mirrored EU policies anyway, so Brexit hasn't had many implications specifically in that regard. Although operating costs may have changed of course.

Of course Brexit hasn't changed the overall direction of travel, for the simple reason, it's a GLOBALIST project. If you looked, I would exect you could find similar problems in India or elsewhere. Forget local and start thinking GLOBAL !