In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, particularly in the pig and broiler sectors, farmers are facing a myriad of socio-ecological and economic pressures that are compelling them to rethink their business models. A recent study led by Liselot Bourgeois from the Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, sheds light on this pressing issue by examining how changes in feed composition can drive significant shifts in business operations at the farm level in Flanders.
The research, published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, dives deep into the nuances of business model (BM) changes within the agricultural sector, an area that’s often overlooked compared to other industries. Bourgeois and her team conducted 19 interviews with local farmers, aiming to unravel the complex web of factors influencing these changes. “We found that understanding the entrepreneurial level is crucial,” Bourgeois noted, emphasizing that the dynamics at play extend beyond just the farm and its immediate environment.
One of the key takeaways from the study is the identification of various interacting factors that shape the BM change process. Farmers are not merely reacting to changes in feed composition; they are navigating a stepwise transformation that affects several components of their business model. This means that every tweak in feed can have ripple effects throughout their operations, influencing everything from cost structures to market positioning.
Bourgeois pointed out that the situation of the farm before and after the change plays a pivotal role in how these influencing factors come into play. “It’s not just about the feed; it’s about the entire ecosystem surrounding the farm,” she explained. This insight is particularly valuable for farmers who are looking to adapt to new challenges while ensuring profitability and sustainability.
The implications of this research are profound. As farmers become more aware of the interconnectedness of their business models and the external pressures they face, they can better strategize their operations. The findings suggest that a thorough analysis of BM change could lead to more resilient agricultural practices, ultimately benefiting not just individual farmers but the broader agri-food sector.
With the agricultural landscape constantly shifting, studies like Bourgeois’s provide essential frameworks for understanding and adapting to these changes. As farmers in Flanders and beyond look to innovate and stay competitive, insights from this research could serve as a guiding light for navigating the complexities of business model evolution in agriculture.