This project examines some of the relationships in the agricultural social networks of Central Massachusetts and their impact on the implementation of sustainable agriculture. Industrial agriculture results in many negative externalities and a fragile production system; a resilient and sustainable agricultural system has the potential to build a more robust approach to agriculture. Through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, themes of how social networks influence how individuals implement sustainable agricultural practices were identified. Our results show that the internet, economic viability, bridging of networks, and the continued renegotiation of institutional legitimacy are active dimensions of the social network that influence the implementation of sustainable agriculture.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Compere, Jeffrey
• Koffman, Abraham

Subject

• Environment
• Sustainability
• Food
• Community

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 106196
• E-project-042723-131756

Advisor

• Elmes, Michael B.
• Elgert, Laureen

Year

• 2023

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 2 - Zero Hunger
• 3 - Good Health and Well-being
• 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
• 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
• 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
• 13 - Climate Action

Date created

• 2023-04-27

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Business
• Environmental & Sustainability Studies

Source

• E-project-042723-131756

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-06-14