Introducing intermediate wheatgrass as a perennial grain crop into farming systems: insights into the decision-making process of pioneer farmers

• DOI: 10.1007/s13593-024-00993-1
• Publication Date: 2024-11-07T13:18:23Z
• Authors: Christelle Ginot; Camille Bathellier; Christophe David; Walter A. H. Rossing; Florian Celette; Olivier Duchene
• Keywords: Decision-making

Abstract The perennial grain intermediate wheatgrass ( Thinopyrum intermedium , commercial name Kernza TM ) has been proposed as a diversification crop for producing forage and providing ecosystem services to farmers. Although few studies have addressed farmers’ interests in the crop, information is lacking about links between goals management, i.e., how farmers aim at integrating this their systems. Closing gap, paper analyzes first time introduction of (IWG) from farmer perspective, set decision plans goals. overarching orientations farm organization production system, referred strategic decisions, interact with short-term management (i.e., tactical decisions) IWG. In total, 17 individual semi-structured interviews 2 collective prototyping workshops France were used analyze rationales function systems, agronomic constraints, know-how. study demonstrates that IWG revolved around multiple financial returns. Three ideal-types farms testing emerged relationships existing farming systems decisions regarding integration contingent on IWG, know-how, ability mitigate risks. Implications future development niche innovation are considered based points view. This provides insights into ideas concerns French proposes framework discussing new system.