Individualisten zwischen Tradition und Selbstverwirklichung: Öko-Pioniere im sozialen Wandel

Summary

Alternative way of live, self-determination and autonomy were key words characterising
organic oriented farmers in the past. It seems that such values were part of organic
pioneers’ personal identity at a time when organic farming was not well accepted in
politics and society. However, what can we learn from these pioneers’ experiences
and their particular ways of interpreting social life, overcoming critical life phases and
farm development? Based on the theories of social change and social movements 13
semi-structured interviews with farmers practising organic-farming over a period of
approximately 30 years were conducted. The autobiographical reports reveal that the
willingness to create something new, perseverance and stress tolerance are among
the characteristics, which stimulated and orientated the pioneers’ behaviour. These
characteristics are still required within the current “bio-boom” because of the need for
continued development in this sector.