D
Follow-up of the 1989 Case Studies Featured in Alternative Agriculture Report Topics of Discussion During Telephone Interview
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Is the farming business/operation still actively involved in production agriculture?
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No
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Yes, but ownership and or management is by different folks
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Yes, with ownership and management substantially intact
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If no—
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When did the business cease agricultural production?
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What were the most significant factors that led to the decision to cease farming?
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What happened to the land that was part of that operation?
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Is it still in farming?
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Is it still used for “alternative,” “sustainable,” or “ag systems” production?
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What happened to the key people who ran the operation?
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If yes—
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What are the most significant changes in the operation since the original case studies were conducted in the late 1980s?
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What of the following factors have most contributed positively to the survival of this operation?
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Growth/expansion decisions?
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Cultivation of new markets/marketing—changes in certification?
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Improved production expertise and experience
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Support from
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Local agribusinesses and service providers
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Other farmers or farmer groups
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University scientists and extension service personnel
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What individuals or groups (outside of your farm operation) have been important to your operation’s viability or sustainability?
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Has the relationship to neighbors and community changed? Are they supportive of your farming in any way?
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Investments in natural resource management (soil, water, and air quality; conserving water; water reuse; energy use and efficiency; improving wetlands and/or wildlife habitat; integrated pest management, beneficial insects, etc.)
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Investments in improving the quality and safety of food and fiber products, improved varieties, improved processing and handling, enhanced testing and screening, reducing use of pesticides, etc.)
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Which have served as significant challenges to the survival of the operation?
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Land costs or rental costs
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Changes in weather patterns
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Availability of labor
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Willingness of younger generation to take over farm
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Ability of the farm operation to meet the basic costs of supporting your family/families
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Federal, state, and local policies
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New environmental regulations
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Traditional commodity programs
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Value-added, diversification, or local marketing programs
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Access to organic prices information
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Cost of inputs
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How have you overcome some of the barriers to your success?
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In what ways has your operation been able to enhance or sustain its natural resources over the last 15 years?
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Have you noticed any changes in any of the following resources?
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Soils (quality, organic matter, nutrient and water availability, erosion rates, salinity problems, etc.)
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Water (costs, quantity, availability, efficiency of use, impacts on surface and ground water quality, etc.)
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Biodiversity (wetlands; habitat for beneficial insects, birds, other wildlife)
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Air quality (odors, roads, processing and storage facilities, etc.)
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Energy (production, costs, use, alternative sources, etc.)
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Others?
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What specific steps have you taken to enhance or sustain these resources?
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What do you think is the future outlook for your own farming operation/enterprise?
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How much longer will you be able to stay in business?
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What factors will most influence your long-term viability?
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Quality and sustainability of your natural resource base (soil, water, air, biodiversity, energy, etc.)
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What kinds of information/services/programs would be most helpful to sustaining the future viability of your operation?
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What do you think is the future outlook for sustainable/systems/organic farming in the United States?
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Has that future outlook changed since 1989?
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