Longitudinal Network Analysis on a Farmers’ Community of Practice and Their Changes in Agricultural Systems Management

Farmer peer networks have been identified as a key way to increase adoption of beneficial management practices to minimize negative environmental impacts of intensive agriculture. We studied the social processes that contribute to beneficial management practice adoption. We administered two questionnaires to participants of a farmer community of practice, the Ontario Soil Network in Ontario, Canada, prior to participation (Period 1) and at the conclusion of the program, 1 year later (Period 2). All three measured networks, based on communication frequency, sharing and seeking advice, and production system changes, expanded from Period 1 to Period 2 and around 80% of participants adopted or expanded their use of beneficial management practices. Our findings indicate that communication in multiple forms was related to beneficial management practice adoption and expansion. These findings support the focus on farmer peer networks as a valuable policy tool to enhance agricultural environmental sustainability.