Abstract
Transitions towards sustainability require processes of decision-making that enhance sustainability in several dimensions at the same time. This article is about farmers’ decision-making in the context of their intentions and practice, as they seek simultaneously to support natural systems and the social quality of their farms. What does it take? An initial response is provided by an exploratory study based on seven semi-structured interviews and farm visits conducted with farmers in mid Sweden. Five respondents were striving to base their production on bio-resources and/or local consumption; one operated a large-scale production system, and one was a professional gardener. The interviews covered a) the farm and the farming system, b) farm history and development, c) planning, management and decision making, d) satisfaction and evaluation, e) attitudes and intentions, f) collaboration and other interests, and, g) policy and governance issues. Important personal intentions that shaped how guiding principles were adopted into practice were found to include emotional orientations such as love and care, connectivity, empathy, capability, honesty, engagement and appropriateness. This paper discusses whether these drivers could be considered to offer appropriate guidelines for deciding how and when to make decisions linked to sustainability goals.
Key words: Co-creation, sustainable agriculture, intentions, transitions, decision-making.
