Implementation of agroecological practices in viticulture: Identification of factors that motivate or constrain uptake

Wine grape production systems everywhere are addressing the challenge of shifting viticulture away from a high dependence on external inputs. The Australian industry has identified change as necessary to address the threats to industry sustainability which include climate change, shifting consumer sentiments and a need to be more competitive on global markets. Agroecology can transform agroecology systems and address these threats. However, much of the research up to now has covered the biophysical benefits of agroecology there is a paucity of studies that seek the perspectives of the farmers making these changes. The aims of this study were to explore the phenomenon of growers implementing agroecology and use behaviour science theory to develop a tool which can inform the design of future strategic programs aimed at increasing behaviour change in agriculture.
Drawing upon a pragmatic paradigm, a sequential exploratory mixed method (MMR) design allowed for multiple research outcomes: a rich description of what practices growers are considering, trialling, or implementing, a contribution to the scholarly discourses of motivation with regards to agroecological transitions, and a tailored and contextually sensitive questionnaire. The questionnaire is a tangible output of the project as a potential research tool that, subject to further development, can be used to evaluate motivation as a one off or to measure change over time. The validity and the reliability of the questionnaire was analysed using Rasch Measurement Theory. Self-determination theory (SDT) was used to shed light on growers’ motivations for change which also provides theoretical insights into evidence-based strategies which can be incorporated into future interventions.
This thesis provides evidence that although Australian wine grape growers are aware of threats to sustainability, their motives for change are more aligned with an inherent satisfaction they experience when tackling challenges, personal values of professionalism, and determination to leave the land in a better condition. The growers implementing agroecological practices understood the principles of agroecology, especially the contribution of biodiversity to regulating and supporting ecosystem services. Agroecological transitions are described by levels of implementation including reduced use of external inputs through efficiency increases, substitution of external inputs for other practices, and a redesign/diversification of the ecosystem to optimise ecosystem services. The participants in the qualitative study (n=33) have reduced and substituted inputs, and many were implementing, trialling or considering diversification or redesign of their vineyards. These are not just technical or economic changes; there were also individual shifts in aesthetic and professional standards and relationships in their communities.
Agroecology around the world is based on principles that avoids prescriptive management and builds relationships, knowledge sharing and autonomy or self-determination in farming communities. Previously there was limited knowledge or ability to measure of the motives or constraints for viticultural agroecology in Australia. A self-determination questionnaire is a potential research tool that, subject to further development, can be used to evaluate motivation at a single point in time or to measure change over time. A questionnaire pilot was conducted with a small group (n=46) and the responses showed correlations to the interview findings on statements about autonomously or values driven decisions but mixed responses for externally motivated behaviours. The Rasch analysis revealed areas where this questionnaire could be modified to improve its validity and reliability.
The Australian wine industry is highly diverse, growers tend to be autonomous decision makers, choices are driven by personal values or preferences, their ecosystem context, and their economic needs and industry expectations. This study shows that growers understand agroecological practices and value potential productivity increases, environmental and social benefits. Agroecological change may appear to be slow from an outside perspective, however growers are motivated to change and are implementing agroecological practices in viticulture.