Farmers Appreciation And Management Of Functional Functional Biodiversity In Organic Apple Orchards

Summary

The benefits of functional biodiversity (FB) for pest control are under debate among practitioners. L and little is known about farmers’ practices and motivations to foster FB. We assumed that the use of monitoring methods would help the farmers to better appreciate the benefits of functional biodiversityFB and thus implement favorable practices. Therefore, w We performed undertook a comprehensive approach strategy combining consisting of wide semi-directive interviews and participatory workshops to describe farmers’ practices and perception, and design monitoring methods adapted to their needs. Our findings provide empirical evidence that FB is associated with multiple services and dis-services. Additionally, and thatthe farmers’ experience and time are two important conditions for farmers’ involvement for FB. Four main attitudes towards the management of FB were characterized: wait-and-see, naturalist, regulation, and multifunctional. These attitudes provide a useful framework to design support tools and research programs in adequacy line with farmers’ needs