Allaire, Gilles, Cahuzac, Eric, Desjeux, Yann, Maigné, Elise, Pomeon, Thomas and Simioni, Michel (2015) Territorial analysis of the diffusion of organic farming in France: Between heterogeneity and spatial dependence. Ecological Indicators, 59. pp. 70-81.

Abstract

This paper discusses the development of organic farming (OF) in France from a collective point of view byfocusing on the spatiotemporal diffusion of OF and considering different types of production. Based on thedata on aid granted between 2007 and 2010 for conversion to OF (COF), the spatial dynamics of conversionis examined with regard to the distinctive capacities of micro-territories to accommodate farms engagedin OF to a greater or lesser extent. The hurdle model is applied to varying types of COF aid, which arerelated to different production systems. This allows for both the characterization of the geographicalextent of the contracting of COF aid and its local intensity measured by the number of contracts withinmicro-territories. The spatial structure of COF contracting can be explained both by economic factorsrelating to the orientation of production systems and by phenomena of spatiotemporal dependence,which demonstrate the importance of producers’ experience and of collective capacities. We can thereforespeak of path dependence in relation to the establishment and maintenance of market access capabilitiesand social networks, which determine the potential and effectiveness of the development of organicagriculture at the micro-territorial level.