Identifying the farming models underlying Flemish beef farmers' practices from an agroecological perspective with archetypal analysis

Agroecology is increasingly recognized as a valuable perspective to face the sustainability challenges of contemporary foods systems. Yet case-comparisons based on holistic assessment actual farmer practices have been lacking. In this paper, we seek identify different farming models underlying sets Flemish beef farmers (Belgium). For this, rely 37 accounts diverse group farmers. Their were gathered through semi-structured interviews. These categorized along 36 Pathways Action pursue 13 agroecological principles, identified in research published earlier. To compare how and what extent each pursuing these turned qualitative information into indicator scores. With Archetypal Analysis, three their pursuits principles: one model represents seven conventional who name bare minimum contributing agroecology, two representing that do integrate elements agroecology. Conceptually, second model, which nine direct selling farmers, eight them organic, corresponds with low-input, low-capital, but knowledge intensive embedded within alternative commercial social networks, actively seeks become independent from regime institutions. The third five mostly whole-selling find advantages mainstream market environment. It overlaps number related techno-productive dimension agroecology far maintain or increase productivity, are compatible expectations value-chain actors. results provide an empirical basis for concepts such “peasant farming” “sustainable intensification” understand diverging translation principles practice. However, remaining half found continuum between models, indicating combinable practice some extent, not all go most emblematic instances models. While more systematic presence means at studied case still lacking, our study may well laid foundation tool. Moreover, already demonstrates assessments potential empirically ground theorizations connect existing farmers' practices. • provides framework global analysis Three identified. “Sustainable applicable context. Farmers combine mix overlapping